Supervisor: Prof Barbara Shollock

Project:

Forensics remains a technically complex chal­lenge for the scientific community. Successful forensics work, especially as part of an attribution process, relies on multiple approaches but must not be comprised by contamination during handling. 

Bulk analysis provides an overall compositional measurement, but if the material is inhomogeneous, then the critical features may be obscured. The presence and concentration of trace constituents and isotopic signatures are often vitally important.  Nuclear safety is an international topic and the characterisation of nuclear debris must answer a number of questions. These are both morphological, ranging from the particle shape to whether it is coated, and chemical such as the presence of trace contaminants and isotopic ratios and signatures.

Identifying the key features to distinguish particle types, and developing analysis protocols while minimising handling contamination is the scope of this PhD.

The PhD project will apply advanced microanalysis tools to qualitatively or semi-qualitatively characterize individual components of a bulk surrogate material. These will include SEM-EDX, focused ion beam-SEM and surface analysis. 

The techniques developed are expected to be applied not only to particles of nuclear origins, but also to basic research in environmental contamination, cosmology and geo-sciences.

Eligibility:

The applicant should have a 2:1 degree in a related subject.

Funding:

Due to funding restrictions funding is limited to Home/EU applicants.

If you are interested in applying please email us at engd<στο>warwick.ac.uk, phone us on 024 765 23837 or fill out our online enquiry form.