PhD Studentship: Athermal Photonic Devices for Absolute Distance Measurement

High-precision range metrology is fundamental for precision manufacturing in aerospace, robotics, automation, and high-value manufacturing with computer-controlled machinery. The application of frequency scanning interferometry (FSI) to long-range (>1 m) high-speed (100,000 coordinates per second) absolute distance measurement is currently impractical at reasonable cost. This is due to the extremely high modulation frequencies (typically 100 GHz or more) that require expensive data acquisition boards. Dr Ruiz's lab at Loughborough University proposed a solution based on adaptive delay lines (ADL) that can reduce the required signal sampling rate by orders of magnitude, thus paving the way for the use of fast sweeping sources such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. Silicon photonics is an ideal platform that Dr Ruiz’s lab explored for ADLs, but current devices are sensitive to temperature variations and require periodic calibration to perform accurate frequency-to-range conversion.

Our project is part of an established research and development pipeline. It aims to investigate ‘athermal’ photonic devices and develop solutions to provide a thermally stable length reference on a photonic chip for high-precision metrology applications.

Working on silicon photonics for high-precision metrology is an exciting collaborative project between our award-winning Optical Engineering Group and Renishaw Plc, an innovative and world leading company with a broad portfolio of high-precision metrology products. You will be part of a team alongside expert supervisors: Dr Pablo Ruiz, a Reader in applied optics and photonics, has over 20 years of experience in optics and photonics instrumentation; Andrew Gribble leads a Photonics lab within Renishaw’s central research organisation, where his team is responsible for researching early-stage technologies to transfer into new product pipelines.

Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.

Entry requirements

Essential criteria: Candidates are expected to have a first class or upper second class Bachelor degree in Physics or Engineering, or equivalent qualifications and experience together with an English Language qualification. Currently accepted English Language qualifications are listed on the website.

Desirable criteria: It would be desirable if applicants have experience in Matlab, Python, Optics and Interferometry, Photonics integrated circuits, semiconductors, electronic instrumentation.

Funding Details

Funding Minimum: UK and International – Fully Funded

Additional Funding Information

The studentship is for 4 years and provides an enhanced, tax-free stipend of £21,737 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates.

Some unique benefits of this ICASE studentship include an enhanced stipend, working closely with Renishaw on industry-relevant challenges, building networks, and at least 3 months’ worth of placements at the company’s Headquarters. These will consist of periods of time working at Renishaw laboratories in Wotton Under Edge, where the student will have the opportunity to engage with the company’s research team and product divisions, under the supervision of Andrew Gribble.

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