Dr Anton Ilderton and Dr Ben King, lecturers in theoretical physics, have won an EPSRC Standard Grant worth GBP 450,000. The award will fund a two year project titled “Quantum phenomena in high-intensity laser-matter interactions”.

The goal of the project is to advance our understanding of fundamental quantum physical effects in the interaction between ultra-relativistic particles and the most powerful lasers on the planet. This is a research area in which Plymouth is recognised as world-leading. Anton and Ben will use their new grant to reinforce this standing; the funding will be used to employ two postdoctoral researchers, increasing the size and output of the Plymouth group.