Project Abstract
This project looks to draw on the expertise within the CDT in Applied Photonics to support the development of novel technologies to support AWE in its mission to support and maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
In scenarios where electrical based measurements introduce an unacceptable safety risk, optical-based sensor technologies provide a viable alternative to obtain empirical data. Although optical sensing is a relatively mature field, many challenges exist that prevent these techniques from being readily deployed in a system context. These issues relate to not only sensors (in terms of performance, dimensions and packaging) but also extend to the supporting ancillary hardware.
This EngD project will look to develop solutions for making measurements in challenging environments and explore approaches that combine facets from both the photonics and electronics disciplines. The project will develop novel techniques, methodologies, and experimental hardware to enable measurements in situ of a variety of parameters.
In line with previous projects in this area, this project will increase the knowledge in technologies for sensing a number of parameters (including pressure, temperature and gas speciation), systems integration, and optoelectronic design.