PhD Studentship - Next generation of rare-earth doped optical fibres for high-power lasers

Supervisory Team: Prof Jayanta Sahu, Dr Martin Miguel A Nunez Velazquez

Project description

We are looking for PhD applicants with a background in physics, material sciences, chemistry, and engineering to work on a PhD project that is aiming to develop a new class of optical fibres for the next generation of high-power lasers. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with an industrial partner, a leading manufacturer of speciality optical fibres. The successful candidate will be part of a world-leading research team working on fibre fabrication and fibre lasers and amplifiers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). The student will also have the opportunity to spend a period of time with the industrial partner.

Fibre lasers that are increasingly becoming the light source of choice for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications, have spurred the development of new types of rare-earth (i.e., Yb, Er, Tm, and Ho) doped fibres, each with a unique set of properties to match with the specific applications. Since the fibre design and material properties of the fibre core have become critical to the performance of the fibre laser, a more powerful fibre fabrication process is required than the current industry standard process, which is MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapour Deposition) - solution doping technique.

In this PhD project, we will develop novel optical fibre materials and fabrication techniques for the realisation of advanced rare-earth-doped fibres with tailored dopant profiles and large core, as required for the next generation of high power fibre lasers and amplifiers.

The student will have access to the world-class Zepler Institute cleanroom complex with state-of-the-art fibre fabrication facilities. The project is also required a significant element of high power laser work. At the end of this PhD project, the student will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, which include speciality optical fibre fabrication and characterization of rare-earth-doped optical fibres, while acquiring knowledge on high power fibre devices.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Jayanta Sahu, Email: jks@orc.soton.ac.uk , Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3162.

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2021 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and an enhanced stipend of £18,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2021/22, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select PhD ORC (Full time). In Section 2 of the application form, you should insert the name of the supervisor Jayanta Sahu

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

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

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.