Novel THz imaging optical systems

The aim of this research project is to develop novel optical and integrated THz imaging systems to exploit new CMOS-based THz detection and generation technology under development by ST Microelectronics. THz refers to the region of the electromagnetic spectrum lying between the infrared and microwaves. THz systems tend to employ a hybrid of optical techniques, such as lenses, together with electronic radio-frequency techniques such as waveguides and antennas. Until now, its investigation and exploitation has traditionally been restricted to scientific research due to the high cost of THz sources and detectors.

The student will develop novel THz imaging optics and subsystems to form the basis of future complete imaging systems that promise to revolutionise THz exploitation; bringing the low-cost of silicon-based CMOS electronics to THz imaging. This will enable the low-cost application of THz in a plethora of practical measurement problems from biomedicine to industrial inspection for the first time. The student will develop THz optical-imaging subsystems, integrated to electronic detection and source structures, using a combination of ray tracing and rigorous electromagnetic modelling. These subsystems will be integrated into overall measurement systems and applied to novel measurements that can be achieved only at THz frequencies. The use of computational imaging will be explored whereby optical encoding is integrated with digital decoding to achieve improved functionality such as compressive imaging, increased resolution or measurement speed.

The student will work within the Imaging Concepts Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy drawing upon expertise in optical and mm-wave imaging and with the Micro- and Nano-Technology Group within the School of Engineering drawing upon expertise in THz devices, systems and instrumentation. S/he will be jointly supervised by Prof Andy Harvey (Physics) and Prof David Cumming (Engineering) and will work with a range of European collaborators.

Applicants should have a good first degree in a Physical or Engineering Science combined with an enthusiasm for rigorous experimental research underpinned by computational modelling. This research is funded by ST Microelectronics (Edinburgh) with whom the student will be expected to liaise.