Measurement of the variation of Alpha using a network of optical clocks.

Optical clocks are most precise instruments ever built by human beings. They are excellent tools to carry out measurements on the time variation of constants such as fine structure constant, Alpha. Change in Alpha would mean going beyond the Standard Model and could reveal hidden aspects of the Universe including beginning of the Universe at the time of Big Bang, formation of matter (like atoms) and its expansion. Comparing frequencies of different clocks (or different transitions in the same clock) can put incredibly precise bound on the time variation of Alpha. We have formed a network of optical clocks across UK and Europe, in order to study fundamental physics including the variation in fundamental constants. If you interested in fundamental physics and optical clocks, it is the right project for you and you will join a strong team of PostDocs and PhDs.