Project Vacancies
The CDT in Applied Photonics welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in our CDT.
Only projects showing the 
symbol are open to international applicants. Non-UK National applicants with settled status in the UK may apply for all projects
Compact, ultra-sensitive gas sensing techniques
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Fraunhofer
University: University of Strathclyde
Supervisor: Dr Michael Lengden
Project Description The proposed project will focus on the development of the detection and sensing techniques based on the photothermal effects. It will comprise of the development and characterization of miniature transducers, optical systems enabling this phenomenon as well as the instrumentation required to drive the system. All these aspects...
LED-based gas sensing platform for the detection of leaks of new refrigerants 🌐
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Edinburgh Instruments (Edinburgh Sensors)
University: Heriot-Watt University
Supervisor: Dr Jose Marques-Hueso
Project Description The UK’s Net Zero targets can only be met by 2050 by drastically reducing carbon emissions and limiting the use of greenhouse gases and F-gases. Meanwhile, climate change will likely result in the increased use of air conditioning and cooling systems, which consequently will derive in increased amounts...
Next generation long range laser rangefinders based on single photon detectors and new laser technologies
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Thales
University: Heriot-Watt University
Supervisor: Professor Gerald Buller/Dr Aongus McCarthy
Project Description Laser Rangefinders are a key element of modern sensor systems and can range up to 20km with an accuracy of less than 1m. Thales UK produced the first in-service laser rangefinder in 1965, just a few years after the invention of the laser, and have been designing and...
Trace gas detection for hydrogen purity using advanced optical methods and technologies
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Emerson Process Management Ltd
University: University of Strathclyde
Supervisor: Dr Michael Lengden
Project Description The use of hydrogen as a fuel source has the potential to accelerate global de-carbonisation efforts, particularly in hard-to-electrify economic sectors. This project will enable a wider market for hydrogen energy systems by developing new approaches for the quality assurance of hydrogen purity at the production stage or...
Distributed gamma dosimetry with fibre-optic cables 🌐
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Cavendish Nuclear
University: University of Strathclyde
Supervisor: Dr Marcus Perry
Project Description This project will develop fibre-optic sensors for remote, distributed gamma dosimetry. The aim is to use state-of-the-art approaches in sensor hardware and software development to produce a measurement system which can distinguish between gamma ray energies over a high measurement range. Fibre-based dosimeters today operate by measuring radiation-induced optical...
Advanced optical systems for terabit free-space communications 🌐
-
PhD
-
EngD
Company: Huawei Technologies (Sweden) AB
University: University of Glasgow
Supervisor: Prof Martin Lavery
Project Description Next generation mobile communications networks, such as 6G will revolutionise the way we interact with technology, enabling super high-speed connections to our mobile devices. However, this places incredible strain on the backhaul and access networks that support 5G and beyond. Optical connections are the only viable solution for...
