PhD Studentship: Next Generation of High Power Fibre Lasers in the Visible and Ultraviolet Wavelength Bands

Supervisory Team: Prof Andy Clarkson and Dr Jacob Mackenzie

Project description

Scaling laser power in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) bands remains as one of the most significant challenges facing laser scientists, motivated by the needs of a growing number of applications in areas such laser processing of materials, medicine, sensing and defence. Traditional methods for accessing this wavelength regime are not compatible with operation at high power levels and so a different approach is needed. This project will investigate a new strategy for generating kilowatt-class laser power in the visible band and >100 W in the UV band by combining the power-scaling advantages of cladding-pumped fibre lasers in the near-infrared band with novel nonlinear frequency conversion schemes. The approach offers the prospect of unprecedented wavelength coverage across the entire visible and UV wavelength bands at very high power levels and with high overall efficiency. The project will involve a detailed study into the physics of frequency-converted fibre lasers operated at very high power levels to establish a power scaling strategy and to determine the fundamental limits. The overall ambition of the project will be a new generation of visible and UV lasers boasting levels of performance well beyond the current state-of-the-art for use in industrial laser processing.

A fully funded PhD place on this project is available for UK applicants supported by an EPSRC CASE Studentship. The project will involve close collaboration with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high power visible solid-state lasers (Laser Quantum (part of Novanta) based in the UK). The studentship comes with an enhanced stipend (including an additional industrial bursary) of £23,000 (tax-free) with fees paid, and very generous funding to support travel to international conferences. Applicants should have a first class or a good upper-second class degree (or the equivalent) in physics, engineering or a related discipline.

The ORC is one of the world’s leading research institutes in laser science and photonics. Its researchers have made pioneering advances in the high power fibre lasers and solid-state lasers that currently have widespread industrial applications. A PhD here has enabled our past graduates to make successful careers in academia, in national scientific laboratories, and as scientists or business leaders in industry. A visit to meet us is recommended and Zoom / Teams interviews are also possible if necessary. Please contact Prof. Andy Clarkson (email: wac@orc.soton.ac.uk) for further details. 

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof Andy Clarkson, Advanced Solid-State Sources Research Group, Email: wac@orc.soton.ac.uk

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.

The start date will typically be late September, but other dates are possible.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £23,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, 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 Andy Clarkson

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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

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