PhD Studentship: Power Scaling Strategies for Continuous-Wave and Short Pulse Fibre Lasers Operating in the Two-Micron Wavelength Band

PhD Supervisors: Andy Clarkson and Jacob Mackenzie

Supervisory Team: Prof Andy Clarkson and Dr Jacob Mackenzie

Project description:

A fully funded PhD project with a stipend of £23,600 (tax-free) p.a. is available to investigate power scaling approaches for fibre lasers operating in the two-micron wavelength band. Two-micron fibre laser technology has the potential to yield a wealth of new applications in areas such as industrial laser processing, medicine, defence and optical communications. Moreover, significant power scaling advantages can be gained by moving from traditional ytterbium-doped fibre lasers operating in the one-micron band to the two-micron band. The focus of this project will be to investigate novel approaches for scaling output power from thulium doped fibre lasers operating in both continuous-wave and high peak power pulsed regimes. The research programme will study the physics of thulium doped fibre gain media to understand the fundamental limits, and to formulate new designs for double-clad active fibres that allow scaling of laser output power whilst simultaneously achieving high efficiency and good beam quality. Thulium doped glasses offer access to a wide range of wavelengths in the two-micron band, so an important aspect of the programme will be to develop lasers with flexibility in operating wavelength driven by the needs of emerging applications.  Laser architectures that are compatible with coherent beam combination to allow scaling beyond the fundamental limits of a single fibre will also be an important theme. Finally, the project will explore a range of novel applications made possible by the improved laser performance.

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 lasers for applications in defence and security (Leonardo based Edinburgh, UK). The studentship comes with an enhanced stipend (including an additional industrial bursary) of £23,600 (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. Its researchers have made pioneering advances in 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.

Please contact Prof. Andy Clarkson (email: wac@orc.soton.ac.uk) for further details. 

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £23,600 tax-free per annum for up to 4 years.

How To Apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC (Full time)”.

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

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