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NEWS29 Apr 2020NewsFunding

Tunable THz laser source

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Outline

 

 

 

A fully tunable and efficient source of THz radiation is required for

a large number of security and medical applications. This project will

involve the design, fabrication and characterisation of such a source,

based on the non-linear optical process of difference frequency

generation in an integrated semiconductor laser structure.

 

The PhD will push the boundaries of quantum dot active region design

for lasing and non-linear optics, optical coupling design to maximise

tunability and introduce new concepts and fabrication strategies for

compound semiconductors coupled to Si, which is practically

dispersionless in the THz.

 

The project will be underpinned by a good understanding of optical and semiconductor

 

physics and will lead to the further understanding of the physics of light-matter

 

interactions, ultrafast laser physics and characterisation

techniques. This is an opportunity to exploit and develop desirable

skills in experimental physics and in semiconductor device fabrication.

The project background, and the materials and device development which

form the core of the programme also has strong relevance to a number of

other highly topical areas.

 

The student will integrate with the EPSRC funded Future Compound

Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub (CS Hub) research team and the Astronomy

Instrumentation Group (AIG), comprising post-doctoral research

associates, technicians and senior staff at Cardiff University, as well

as making use of Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS) facilities.

 

The project will follow a flexible timeline with completion feasible

within 4 years (including 0.5 year contingency with the first year

including a literature study and the development of suitable

experimental and computational skills. The remainder of the PhD will

include device development, device demonstrations and assessment and

completion of the thesis. The student will integrate with the CS Hub

research team comprising post-doctoral research associates, technicians

and senior staff at Cardiff University, and utilise Institute for

Compound Semiconductors (ICS) facilities.

 

Candidates should have a strong background and interest in Optics/Photonics and Semiconductor Physics

 

References:

 

(1) P. Finch, P. Blood, P.M. Smowton, A. Sobiesierski, R.M. Gwilliam,

I. O'Driscoll. “Femtosecond pulse generation in passively mode locked

InAs quantum dot lasers”, Applied Physics Letters, 103(13), 131109, DOI:

10.1063/1.4822433 (2013)

 

(2) S. Shutts, P.M. Smowton, A.B. Krysa. “Dual-wavelength InP quantum dot lasers”, Applied Physics Letters, 104, 241106; http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4883857. (2014)

 

(3) Chen, W. Li, J. Wu, Q. Jiang, M. Tang, S. Shutts, S.N. Elliott,

A. Sobiesierski, A. Seeds, I. Ross, P.M. Smowton, H. Liu, “Electrically

pumped continuous-wave III–V quantum dot lasers on silicon.” Nature

Photonics 10, pp. 307-311. (2016) (10.1038/nphoton.2016.21)

 

What is funded

 

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

 

This PhD position is opening for self-funded student only, which

means the candidate with own funding to cover the living cost and

tuition fees will be considered.

 

Duration

 

4 years full-time.

 

Eligibility

 

Candidates should hold a good bachelor’s degree (first or upper

second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in Physics or a related

subject.

 

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to

demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or

equivalent).

 

How to Apply

 

 

 

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/program...) including:

 

• an upload of your CV

 

• a personal statement/covering letter

 

• two references

 

• Current academic transcripts

 

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy, with a start date of January 2021

 

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify

the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project

description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please

select the ’self -funding’ option.