Prof Helen Pask, Dr ANdrew Lee
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Terahertz (THz) radiation has the potential to revolutionise applications in security, medicine and industry. It has however, been referred to as the “Final Frontier” of the electromagnetic spectrum because of the significant challenges associated with its generation and detection.
While THz technology has progressed dramatically in recent years, there is still a lack of robust THz sources which are compact, frequency-tunable and cost-effective. This project aims to develop new, compact, high-efficiency and frequency-tunable THz laser sources by making use of stimulated polariton scattering, a process which uses both second-order and third order non-linearities.
The THz source architecture is similar to that of a solid-state Raman laser which itself is built upon cost-effective and proven diode-based pump sources and crystalline materials. See A. J. Lee, et.al., IEEE J. Quant. Electron., 49, 357 (2013) for a detailed description of our approach.
This project will explore methods by which the overall THz output power, extraction efficiency and tuning range can be maximised through the use of different resonator designs, crystals and novel extraction methods which involve the use of photonic crystal structures. MgO-doped Lithium niobabe and other crystalline materials will be used to access a variety of THz frequency bands between 1 and 20THz. The THz sources we develop will be applied to demonstrate “proof of concept” for a variety of spectral fingerprinting and imaging applications.
The project will be tailored to suit the interests and strengths of the successful applicant - the project is primarily an experimental one, however there will be also be scope for theoretical or numerical modelling studies.
This project will suit a motivated student interested in optical physics, non-linear optics, and the development of laser sources that can be applied to real world problems.
Funding Notes
The 2014 MQRES stipend is $25,392 pa tax exempt for 3 years. Apply immediately, however you must be able to demonstrate 1) strong academic performance and 2) research experience amounting to at least one year full time and/or peer-reviewed research activity. Please provide details of research outputs such as thesis abstract, conference or journal publications, internships or prizes/commendations. Further information can be found at http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/research_degrees/applications
Please send enquiries to [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]. Suitable applicants will then need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office.