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Location:
Highfield CampusClosing Date:
Sunday 30 May 2021Reference:
1301420PNSupervisory Team: Professor David Richardson FRS, FREng and Dr Jonathan Price
Project description
This PhD project concerns the development of a new generation of fibre lasers tailored to enable high-resolution, chemically-sensitive, 3D laser imaging deep within the human body. The project is an integral part of a large collaborative EPSRC grant looking to fulfil our future healthcare needs - see https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/T020997/1 .
The project team comprises those working on laser development, advanced computation imaging approaches (including AI), new signal detectors as well as medical doctors from the Universities of Edinburgh, Nottingham and Southampton. Aiming to improve early detection of disease by using light (unlike X-rays a safe non-ionising form of radiation) the technology should ultimately provide a fast widely used diagnostic tool offering both improved care and future cost savings for e.g. the NHS ( http://www.inlightenus.chem.ed.ac.uk/ )
This fully funded PhD project focusses on creating novel, high-performance fibre lasers operating in the two-micron wavelength region. These lasers have the potential to open-up a wealth of new applications not only in medical imaging, but also for industrial processing and optical communications.
In particular, the project will create a world leading femto/pico-second pulsed fibre laser source, overcoming the technical challenges currently limiting progress in the field. Nonlinear frequency conversion of the output will transfer the output from the laser to both longer and shorter wavelengths as needed for the novel imaging. In broad terms, the work undertaken by the project student will combine experiments and simulations, together with advancing our understanding of lasers and nonlinear optics: Precise details can be aligned to your preferences. You will emerge as a high-achieving scientist ready to embark on a strong career in this rapidly growing field.
For candidates with industrial career aspirations, there are real opportunities to work closely with SPI Lasers Ltd, a major manufacturer of fibre lasers based in Southampton and project partner on the grant, enabling experience to be gained of working with industry.
Please contact Prof. David Richardson or Dr Jonathan Price for any additional details.
Within the University, your membership of our large research group will ensure a support network of students and more senior scientists / engineers: https://www.orc.soton.ac.uk/advanced-fibre-technologies-and-applications
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. David Richardson (djr@orc.soton.ac.uk ), or Dr Jonathan Price (jhvp@soton.ac.uk).
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).
Closing date : applications should be received no later than 30 May 2021 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.
Funding: full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of £15,285 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.
How To Apply
Applications should be made online here: https://www.orc.soton.ac.uk/how-to-apply
selecting “PhD ORC (Full time)” as the programme. Please enter David Richardson under the Topic or Field of Research.
Applications should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts to date
Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page
For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
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