Project Description
This project will address the urgent requirement for new photonics tools in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral region to police stricter greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards and to progress imaging capabilities in poor visibility for security applications.
The majority of the so-called “fingerprint” absorption bands for GHGs are in the mid-IR spectral region. This is also the region where some windows of high atmospheric transmittance exist, making it suitable for laser radar (LIDAR) operation in poor visibility.
Still, this application-rich spectral region poses significant challenges for laser engineers. In this project, this gap will be closed by developing new lasers that directly access the 3-5 mm region for applications in sensing (differential LIDAR – DIAL), and security (range finders in poor visibility).
This challenging project will involve the whole technological process of developing the new laser sources:
1) New methods of growth of low-phonon energy laser crystals. As part of their EngD, the student will carry out a short-term (3-6 months) research project at the University of Warwick on mid-IR laser crystals growth under the supervision of Prof. Geetha Balakrishnan.
2) Development of high-peak power narrow-linewidth laser sources in mid-IR spectral region. Mode-locked and Q- switched laser sources will be developed oscillating at 3-5 mm spectral region with subsequent frequency down-conversion to 8-10 mm.
3) Feasibility tests of developed laser sources for imaging in poor visibility and DIAL sensing of GHGs. The systems based on developed laser sources will be tested for stand-off sensing of air pollution and imaging and poor visibility. The student will carry out the development of LIDAR system at the Caledonian Photonics Ltd premises (3-6 months project). Caledonian Photonics Ltd have long-established expertise in development and practical application of LIDAR systems for security and defence.
The EngD student will work in the Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, where both the academic (Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde) and the industrial partners (Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics) have research laboratories. Laser development will be carried out in close collaboration with the second industrial partner of the project. Some work on laser crystal synthesis will be done at the University of Warwick under the supervision of Prof. Geetha Balakrishnan.
Please see links to University of Strathclyde and Fraunhofer’s diversity and inclusion policies:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/whystrathclyde/equalitydiversity/policies/
https://www.fraunhofer.de/en/about-fraunhofer/corporate-responsibility/hr-management/diversity-management.html
CDT Essential Criteria
A Masters level degree (MEng, MPhys, MSc) at 2.1 or equivalent.
Desire to work collegiately, be involved in outreach, undertake taught and professional skills study.
Project Essential Criteria
Desire to interact with industrial end-users of the developed technology.
Desire to undertake an experimental project which involves working with lasers and spectroscopic studies.
Project Desirable Criteria
Background in lasers, spectroscopy, and signal processing. Computer modelling or programming skills.
The CDT
The CDT in Applied Photonics provides a supportive, collaborative environment which values inclusivity and is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive environment for all our applicants, students, and staff. For further information, please see our ED&I statement: https://bit.ly/3gXrcwg.
Forming a supportive cohort is an important part of the programme and our students take part in various professional skills workshops, including Responsible Research and Innovation, and attend outreach training.