Multi-scale High Resolution Characterisation of Inertial Fusion Energy Shells

This interdisciplinary project presents an exciting opportunity for you as a scientist or engineer to work across the boundaries of chemistry, physics and engineering, with opportunities to develop a broad portfolio of skills and contribute to the next generation of clean energy production.<br /> <br /> Inertial fusion energy production entails the use of extremely powerful lasers that compress ‘shell targets’ to extreme pressure and temperatures to release fusion energy. These shells, need to have less than 10nm scale surface roughness, as it is critical for the implosion physics. The multiscale characterisation of the low-contrast ‘shell targets’ is a key requirement in optimising its manufacturing processes. This project will develop the advanced characterisation capability to measure sphericity, the concentricity of the internal and external walls, interface with an internal foam layer, and the internal structure of the wall where any voids can be detrimental to the performance of the target. <br /> <br /> In this project, you will carry out the characterisation of these shells and the manufacturing process using Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging and ptychography, FIB-SEM and high resolution-AFM to understand the effects of flow rate, polymer chemistry and microfluidic nozzle diameter used for the generation of these oil in water polymer systems. You will be funded by the Industrial doctoral landscape award and STFC Central Laser Facility.<br />

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">This interdisciplinary project presents an exciting opportunity for you as a scientist or engineer to work across the boundaries of chemistry, physics and engineering, with opportunities to develop a broad portfolio of skills and contribute to the next generation of clean energy production.</p> <p>The UPLiFT project, led by the Central Laser Facility (CLF) in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), is driving major advances in technologies for laser driven Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE). In this process, powerful lasers compress a millimetre sized fuel capsule to extreme pressures and temperatures, releasing fusion energy. Producing these targets is exceptionally difficult: they must be perfectly spherical with mirror smooth surfaces, and only a handful of facilities worldwide can achieve the required quality for energy research.</p> <p>The CLF is developing capability in shell target manufacturing. These targets are approx. 1-2 mm in diameter and have a wall thickness of around 70 microns. The characterisation of the shells is a key capability in the optimisation and understanding of these processes. Surface roughness measurement (at the 10’s nm level) is required alongside the capability to measure sphericity, the concentricity of the internal and external walls, and the internal structure of the wall where any voids can be detrimental to the performance of the target. In some cases, a thin foam layer will be printed on the inside of the shell, and the structure of this layer is critical to the implosion physics. </p> <p>This project would directly feed back into refining manufacturing techniques of Inertial Fusion Targets and be involved in an existing collaboration with researchers at Diamond Light Source, University College London, and the rest of the CLF.</p> <p>The project brings together polymer material properties and advanced characterisation. You will receive training on polymer materials characterisation, X-ray phase contrast imaging, Raman spectroscopy by the academic supervisors – Dr Pallipurath and Dr Cayre. You will also have the opportunity to attend formal training schools on synchrotron science, electron microscopy and AFM. You will have an industrial supervisor from CLF and will receive additional training in shell target manufacturing methods and laser physics. You will have the opportunity to spend 50% of the time at Leeds and 50% of the time at the CLF on the Harwell campus.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Multi-scale High Resolution Characterisation of Inertial Fusion Energy Shells </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/6605/dr-anuradha-r-pallipurath-">Dr Anuradha Pallipurath</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) 2025/26</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 24 April 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 24 April 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 and an additional top-up of £4,000 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded places available to UK applicants only. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Anuradha Pallipurath by emailing <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">a.r.pallipurath@leeds.ac.uk</a> or calling +44 (0)113 343 6401</p> <p>For further information about your application and how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>