PhD Studentship: Experimental Study of Tunable Fibre-optic and Semiconductor Optical Frequency Combs

Closing Date: 1^st January 2025

Supervisor: Prof. Sergei K. Turitsyn

Programme Length: Three years

Prospective Start Date: 1 April 2025

Academic year: 2024/5

Applications are invited for a three-year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies at Aston University. 

Financial Support

This studentship includes a bursary to cover the tuition fees rate, plus an annual maintenance allowance of £19,237.

Details of the Project

Optical frequency comb (OFC) is a breakthrough photonic technology that has already revolutionised a range of scientific and industrial fields. In the family of OFC technologies, dual-comb spectroscopy plays a unique role as the most advanced platform, combining conventional and laser spectroscopy strengths. The project will explore different approaches to achieve versatility in repetition rates and/or comb optical characteristics as dictated by the diversity of applications. We invite academically outstanding PhD candidates to conduct world-class experimental and theoretical research in this rapidly growing research area.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the experimental development and characterisation of mode-locked fibre and/or semiconductor lasers and/or optical supercontinuum sources. Experience with quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range is highly desirable, as well as expertise in the full range of characterisation techniques for pulsed and continuous-wave (CW) lasers, including autocorrelation measurements, frequency-resolved optical gating, phase and relative intensity noise measurements.

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of various optical frequency comb sources, including tunable dual-comb laser sources based on mode-locked fibre lasers and vertical external-cavity surface-emitting lasers. Successful applicant will be involved in the development of mid-IR OFC spectrometers for various practical applications.

Research Environment

The Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) is the one of largest photonic centres in the UK. It hosts a diverse research community working on a vast range of photonic engineering topics, including optical communications, theory and modelling of lasers and optical systems dynamics, optical sensing, fibre and semiconductor lasers, bio-photonics, and nanoscale optics. The PhD student will benefit from the world class experimental and computing infrastructure and facilities and will be exposed to an interdisciplinary working culture. The PhD student will participate in state-of-the-art training activities organised by AIPT and will have the possibility of interacting with numerous AiPT UK and international, academic and industrial partners.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of optical frequency combs, fibre lasers, semiconductor lasers or supercontinuum sources.

We would particularly like to encourage applications from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised recently by a prestigious Silver Award to EPS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Prof. Sergei K. Turitsyn at s.k.turitsyn@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to our website, for full details on how to apply.

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