PhD scholarship, Advanced Monte Carlo simulation of quantum fields, University of Warwick, UK
Recent advances in computational quantum field theory have led to non-perturbative approaches to predicting scattering amplitudes and correlation functions in quantum mechanics. This holds much promise for transforming elegant quantum field theories into the genuine predictive modelling of quantum systems, but the diffusive dynamics of industry-standard simulation algorithms generate highly correlated samples of the target distribution. This project will develop state-of-the-art simulation algorithms whose ballistic-style superdiffusive dynamics drive the system through its state space – rapidly generating samples with very low autocorrelation and paving the way to high-quality quantum predictions.
Applicants should have a first or a strong upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject, and preferably a relevant Master’s qualification or comparable research experience. Experience with programming and numerical approaches to statistical physics, quantum mechanics and/or quantum field theory is desirable. Prior exposure to the worldline formalism of QFT and/or PDMPs is favourable, as the project extends the worldline Monte Carlo technique to PDMP sampling algorithms.