Engineering Doctorate (EngD)- Stand-off laser identification of chemical contamination (SLICC)

This project will work across multiple strands of technology at different maturity levels to derisk future military systems needed to rapidly and accurately identify chemical contamination. The project will have a strong bias towards laser technology and laser spectroscopy whilst cognizant of the need to apply the technology to real world problems.
Suitable students will have a background in physics / chemistry and an interest in developing their spectroscopy, laser science and optical technology skills. The project will encompass a wide range of topics from fundamental research through to sub-system testing and assessment.

Planned topics are likely to include:
• Novel tunable and broadband laser development in the infrared spectral region at the core location of St Andrews University
• Application of frequency comb spectroscopy to the stand-off identification of chemical species at the core location of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh
• Development of near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for the practical realization of stand-off identification at the core location of Dstl (Porton Down, Salisbury)
Opportunities to work with industry will be explored during the project.