PhD Studentship: Fibre-optic Instrumentation for Aerospace Manufacturing

This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It will be based within the Optical Engineering Research Group (OERG) of the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University which amongst its wider research interests, conducts cutting edge research into the development of laser and optical metrology.

The aim is to exploit a novel fibre-optic probe in the interferometric measurement of difficult to access, internal surfaces such as precision, laser drilled components where destructive and cumbersome methods such as sectioning are currently required. The PhD programme will focus on the design, building and testing of fibre-based instrumentation for the internal measurement of a miniature laser-drilled component. It will consider methods to synthesise an image of the 3D surface from measurements of scattered light and comparison with traditional sectioning and optical/stylus profilometry. There will be opportunities to study related measurement techniques such as Coherence Scanning Interferometry (CSI), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT- now used routinely by opticians for retinal imaging) and data-intensive optimisation processes (such as AI).

How to Apply:

Applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering/Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number FP-JC-2025/MTC002 in your application.  

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit your CV and the minimum supporting documents.  

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

Entry requirements: 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate, with a 1st or high 2:1 degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a closely related discipline. The candidate will have experience of a scientific programming language (e.g. MATLAB™) and preferably experience of image processing or machine learning.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The studentship is for 3 years and provides an enhanced tax-free stipend of £25,000 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions this is only available to those eligible for UK fees. As this position is sponsored by the MTC, any successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks prior to the commencement of the PhD.

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