This studentship is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics in which the University of Strathclyde is a partner.

The project will address the urgent requirement for new photonics tools in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral region to police stricter greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards and to progress imaging capabilities in poor visibility for security applications.

The majority of the so-called fingerprint absorption bands for GHGs are in the mid-IR spectral region. This is also the region where some windows of high atmospheric transmittance exist, making it suitable for laser radar (LIDAR) operation in poor visibility.

Still, this application-rich spectral region poses significant challenges for laser engineers. In this project, this gap will be closed by developing new lasers that directly access the 3-5 µm region for applications in sensing (differential LIDAR – DIAL), and security (range finders in poor visibility).

This challenging project will involve the whole technological process of developing the new laser sources:

• Development of high-peak power narrow-linewidth laser sources in mid-IR spectral region. Mode-locked and Q- switched laser sources will be developed oscillating at 3-5 µm spectral region with subsequent frequency down-conversion to 8-10 µm.
• Feasibility tests of developed laser sources for imaging in poor visibility and DIAL sensing of GHGs. The systems based on developed laser sources will be tested for stand-off sensing of air pollution and imaging and poor visibility. The student will carry out the development of LIDAR system at the premises of the Caledonian Photonics Ltd, the secondary commercial partner of the studentship (3-6 months project). Caledonian Photonics Ltd have long-established expertise in development and practical application of LIDAR systems for security and defence.

Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP)

The first of the highly regarded Fraunhofer Research Centres to be based in the UK, Fraunhofer CAP specialises in undertaking applied R&D in a range of photonics themes.

Based at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow city centre, Fraunhofer CAP’s main remit is to be a key partner to UK companies in the development of state-of-the-art products and processes that will enhance their competitiveness; beyond this we are proud that our work brings benefits to health, environment and society. We work across many sectors including wind energy, quantum technology, space, medical, security.

We are a bright, engaging, welcoming, helpful and diverse team and want like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and really contribute.
Fraunhofer CAP offers a competitive edge when it comes to further career progression through the following:

• Work in a world-class, well-funded and well-appointed research hub, within the innovation district of Glasgow City Centre
• Learn from a talented team of international colleagues – through interaction with other projects and students
• Opportunity to develop commercial skills – business development, innovation, leadership through exposure to commercial project partners and programmes
• Wider opportunities to travel and present your research activities
• Access to 1000s of training courses through Udemy – personal and professional development
• 31 days holiday and 11 public holidays

The Institute of Photonics undertakes use-inspired research in photonics and is co-located with Fraunhofer CAP in the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre.
FhUK is a very friendly and encouraging workplace. We are IOP Project Juno project supporters, disability confident and seek to enjoy a wide diverse population of staff and students. We are a not-for-profit Research and Technology Organisation.

Whilst there may be times when working from home is appropriate, we hope that you will embrace being in person in our labs and offices to maximise your benefit from your doctorate.

Institute of Photonics

The Institute of Photonics (IoP), part of the Department of Physics, is a centre of excellence in applications-oriented research at the University of Strathclyde.  The Institute’s key objective is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications and development in the area of photonics. The IoP is located in the £100M Technology and Innovation Centre on Strathclyde’s Glasgow city centre campus, at the heart of Glasgow’s Innovation District, where it is co-located with the UK’s first Fraunhofer Research Centre. Researchers at the IoP are active in a broad range of photonics fields under the areas of Photonic Devices, Advanced Lasers and Neurophotonics.

Strathclyde Physics is a member of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance.

The University of Strathclyde has, in recent years, been the recipient of the following awards: The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education 1996, 2019, 2021 & 2023; Times Higher Education University of the Year 2012 & 2019; Daily Mail University of the Year 2024 Runner-Up; Daily Mail Scottish University of the Year 2024; Triple E European Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2023.