PhD Studentship: Table-Top Cryogenic Lasers

PhD Supervisor: Jacob Mackenzie

Supervisory Team: Jacob Mackenzie, Andy Clarkson

Project description

Cryogenically cooled lasers have proven themselves a platform-architecture for future high-energy and high-average power systems in large-scale-facilities institutes across the world. We seek a capable applicant to advance small-scale “turn-key” state-of-the-art highly energetic solid-state lasers operating in the visible and UV wavelength bands. The project objectives are targeting modes of operation that will lead to new laser parameters suitable for advanced-manufacturing applications.

We are looking for a keen and pragmatic applicant to advance the performance of cryogenic lasers through discovery of new approaches that capitalise on the unique properties of these systems. Your role will include practical development of this laser architecture to enable their exploitation in new operating regimes that will outstrip the performance of state-of-the-art room-temperature solid-state lasers.

Due to the nature of this project, there will be opportunity for both inter-disciplinary research within the university and collaboration with external partners such as the UK national laser facility.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Jacob Mackenzie, Planar Waveguide and Slab Lasers Research Group, Email: jim@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2693.

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 at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

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

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

The School of Zepler Institute is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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