Project Description
What the project offers:
This EngD offers the chance to explore how light itself can be used as a precision tool for materials engineering. You will investigate the combined use of femtosecond laser inscription and chemical etching to create three-dimensional structures from laser gain media; and demonstrate the construction of optical components and laser cavities that cannot be produced by conventional machining.
What you’ll be doing:
You will develop new methods for structuring and integrating solid-state laser materials using ultrafast lasers and chemical processing. Your work will involve:
- Investigating laser-induced modification of transparent materials and developing etching protocols to produce high-fidelity micro-scale structures
- Designing optical geometries for pump-beam coupling, guiding and routing within the etched gain media, supported by optical and thermal modelling
- Building and characterising laser cavities that make use of these fabricated structures, exploring both continuous-wave and pulsed regimes
- Working as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that bridges experimental fabrication, simulation, and device testing
Why it matters:
Combining femtosecond laser inscription with chemical etching opens a new route to manufacturing complex, three-dimensional optical structures which cannot otherwise be easily processed. This capability offers a unique opportunity to improve the thermal handling and power output of commonly used laser media.
The first of the highly regarded Fraunhofer Research Centres to be based in the UK, Fraunhofer CAP, a not-for-profit Research and Technology Organisation, specialises in undertaking applied R&D in a range of photonics themes. Based at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow city centre, Fraunhofer CAP’s main remit is to be a key partner to UK companies in the development of state-of-the-art products and processes that will enhance their competitiveness; beyond this we are proud that our work brings benefits to health, environment and society. We work across many sectors including wind energy, quantum technology, space, medical, security.
We are a bright, engaging, welcoming, helpful and diverse team and want like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and really contribute.
Fraunhofer CAP offers a competitive edge when it comes to further career progression through the following:
- Work in a world-class, well-funded and well-appointed research hub, within the innovation district of Glasgow City Centre
- Learn from a talented team of international colleagues – through interaction with other projects and students
- Opportunity to develop commercial skills – business development, innovation, leadership through exposure to commercial project partners and programmes
- Wider opportunities to travel and present your research activities
Academic supervision for this project will come from the Institute of Photonics at the University of Strathclyde (Prof. Alan Kemp). The Institute of Photonics undertakes use-inspired research in photonics and is co-located with Fraunhofer CAP in the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre.
FhUK is a friendly and encouraging ”Great Place To Work” accredited workplace with high rankings for ‘Development’ and ‘Women’.
CDT Essential Criteria
A Masters level degree (MEng, MPhys, MSc) at 2.1 or equivalent in Physics or relevant Engineering subject.
Desire to work collegiately, be involved in outreach, undertake taught and professional skills study.
Project Essential Criteria
We require curious candidates who have a strong desire to work in an R&D environment facing complex experimental projects including numerical and computational modelling, chemical etching and processing, laser design and development, mechanical engineering, and optical characterisation.
Students should have a professional and collegiate attitude with demonstrable oral and written communications skills and a desire to interact with potential external and commercial end-users of this technology to determine the best path of study.
Project Desirable Criteria
A background in experimental optics, laser physics, or a similar field.
Familiarity with programming in languages such as Python, Matlab, and LabView.
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.