PhD Studentship: Fibre Laser Based Mid Infrared Sources for Healthcare Applications

Project title: Fibre laser based mid infrared sources for healthcare applications  

Supervisory Team: Dr Lin Xu, Dr Sijing Liang and Professor David Richardson

Project description

The mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral region from 2-20 µm contains strong characteristic vibrational transitions of many important molecules and incorporates the atmospheric transmission window, which makes it crucial for applications in spectroscopy, materials processing, chemical and biomolecular sensing, neuroscience and medical diagnosis, security and environmental monitoring. However, this wavelength range is difficult to access directly using traditional laser materials and cavity implementations.

This project will involve the development of high power short pulse fibre lasers operating at conventional near-IR wavelengths (e.g. 1 and 2µm) and converting the wavelength of the output light to the mid-IR wavelengths using nonlinear optical effects in specially engineered crystals, and/or optical fibres. As an integral part of the £6M Airguide Photonics EPSRC programme grant (https://www.airguide.soton.ac.uk/) and a collaborative £5M EPSRC Healthcare Technologies grant (http://www.inlightenus.chem.ed.ac.uk/), we will target both high-power laser operation providing a wide wavelength tuning range and a narrow spectral linewidth (that can be used to probe individual cells with high-resolution and with molecular specificity) and broadband supercontinuum sources with ultrahigh spectral power densities (that can be used to rapidly record the full absorption spectrum of biological samples without the need for laser tuning).

The project will create a world leading femto/pico-second pulsed fibre laser source as well as advanced nonlinear frequency conversion techniques, overcoming the technical challenges that are currently limiting progress in the field. In broad terms, the work undertaken by the project student will combine experiments and simulations and will be directed to advancing both our understanding of lasers and nonlinear optics, as well as applications of mid-IR laser in medical imaging. The finer details of the project can be aligned to suit the preferences of the successful candidate. You will emerge as a high-achieving scientist ready to embark on a strong career in this rapidly growing field.

For candidates with industrial career aspirations, there are real opportunities to work closely with Trumpf, a major manufacturer of fibre lasers based in Southampton and a project partner on the grant, enabling experience to be gained of working with industry.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Lin Xu, Pulsed Fibre Laser Research Group, Email: l.xu@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3141.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: Applications are accepted throughout the year and several start dates throughout the year are possible. Applications for the typical Sept./Oct. 2023 start should be received no later than 31 August 2023.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £20,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: PhD Application | Research | University of Southampton. Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD ORC (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Lin Xu

Applications should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Two reference letters
3. Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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