PhD Studentship: Unconventional Microwave Generator

The project is related to the development of a powerful microwave source, able to operate over an extremely wide frequency range (kHz to 10s of GHz).

The main aim of the research is to better understand the physics and enabling technologies related to an unconventional microwave source, thereby proving and characterizing operation at higher power. The expected outcome is a standalone, extremely compact, light and relatively simple to manufacture pulsed electric field source covering practically all frequencies of interest in applications.

The PhD project is an activity part of the Energy Transfer Skill & Training Hub (STH) that has been set up by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Engineering and Physics Science Research Council (EPSRC) to create a focus for research and skills development in Energy Transfer technologies which will form the basis for future systems for defense and security as well as broader ET applications. 

The financial package – PhDs fees are paid for by the STH; individuals are provided a monthly, tax-free stipend and generous allowance for conferences, personal training and research consumables. In addition, the STH will pay for annual STH training and events (e.g. Summer School and conference).

The majority of the practical work will be conducted at Loughborough University, at the Plasma and Pulsed Power Group (P3G) facilities. P3G is a small but highly rated research group (‘Excellent’ for the last few years) within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, specializing in conventional and explosively driven electrical pulsed power as well as low temperature plasma applications. You will be working alongside several PhD and Masters students, each primarily on their own project and reporting direct to the Professor. Skilled Technician support is available.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage. 

The successful applicant will need to be a UK National and will also need to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

The candidate is expected to have a solid knowledge of electromagnetism and computer skills. The work will develop expertise in safe working and the instrumentation of high voltage, electric pulsed power and intense time-variant RF waveforms. The training provided will be in the domain of pulsed power technology, high frequency electromagnetic techniques and computer modelling.

Additional Funding Information

The studentship is for 4 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate.

The studentship will also include funds for travel and equipment. The studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project.  

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK fees. 

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