The studentship will focus on harnessing plasma to generate tailored structured light fields, advancing the field of plasma optics. By contributing to the development of next-generation laser systems, you will enable the creation of ultraintense, high-precision light beams. This research aims to significantly enhance the scientific potential of high-power laser facilities and broaden their applications in both academic and industrial contexts.

Key objectives of this project include:

• Developing and testing plasma-based techniques to generate ultraintense light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM).
• Investigating the interaction between plasma dynamics and structured light to optimise beam quality and stability.
• Employing machine learning to model, control, and optimise the complex processes underpinning plasma-optics interactions.
• Collaborating with leading laser facilities to implement and validate novel plasma-optics systems.

Through this project, you will gain in-depth knowledge of high-power laser systems, plasma physics, and advanced optical technologies. You will also develop expertise in cutting-edge computational and machine learning methodologies, equipping you with valuable skills for both academia and industry.

The Hub

The Doctoral Hub specialises in developing research and training the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies for defence and related sectors. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Strathclyde and throughout their PhD will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, as well as our specialist industrial network.

Why join us?

• Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing placement opportunities to work and train alongside industry experts
• Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry
• Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises

Funding

A generous fully funded studentship (no fees and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and extended placement with industry collaborators.