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PhD Opportunities in Laser Frequency Combs at Heriot-Watt University
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Job Details
The Ultrafast Optics Group at Heriot-Watt University is Seeking PhD Candidates for Two Exciting Research Projects at the Forefront of Laser Science, Astronomical Instrumentation and Precision Optical Metrology
Projects
Laser Frequency Comb Technology for Astronomy Applications
Advanced Dual-Comb LiDAR: Precision 3D Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing
What Do the Projects Involve?
Both projects are experimentally-led and based in Edinburgh at Heriot-Watt’s Riccarton campus.
Project 1 will focus on building and characterising astrocombs in the visible to infrared bands. The development of these technologies involves characterisations of the primary laser comb, the development and implementation of electronic comb stabilization techniques, optical design and spatial / temporal beam modelling, optical modeling / alignment of nonlinear devices and filter cavities, and the application of diagnostics such as wavemeters and spectrographs. An introduction to astrocombs can be found in our review paper here.
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Project 2 aims to develop a faster and more sensitive implementation of dual-comb ranging—an optical metrology technique combining interferometry-like precision with time-of-flight accuracy. The methodology will involve applying new electronic and optical approaches to improve the original two-photon dual-comb LiDAR scheme developed at Heriot-Watt (details here). The project is hosted at Heriot-Watt University and is co-sponsored by our partner AWE Nuclear Security Technologies; it is expected to involve some short secondments to AWE’s facility in Aldermaston. This project is only open to UK nationals.
Who Should Apply?
Suitable applicants will have a first-class undergraduate masters degree (or equivalent) in physics or other relevant discipline. Applicants not meeting this formal criterion but having compensating research experience, e.g., in industry, will also be considered.
Candidates will join a diverse team of graduate and post-doctoral researchers. You should have a solid understanding of optics and lasers and have relevant experimental experience, for example, through an undergraduate research project or research internship.
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While experimentally-led, both projects will also include computational components, so experience in scientific programming for data analysis and capture, e.g., using Matlab or Python, is also valuable.
Funding
Applicants meeting UK residency requirements will qualify for stipend and fees funding at the UKRI level. Self-funding overseas candidates may be considered for Project 1.
Further Information
For further information and application details, visit the Ultrafast Optics Group at Heriot-Watt University: www.ultrafast.hw.ac.uk/vacancies.html.
Enquiries
Before submitting a formal application, candidates are recommended to email their CV to Prof. Derryck Reid (D.T.Reid@hw.ac.uk) and, where appropriate, arrange an informal follow-up call.
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