Advanced crystal-film engineering

Supervisory Team: Jacob Mackenzie

Project description

Novel crystalline photonic devices offer exciting opportunities for creating efficient lasers and manipulating the properties of light. Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is an extraordinary technique using light to create new materials and devices. We seek a talented individual to help us advance the understanding and development of scalable concepts for engineering crystal structures that will be enabling for a new generation of laser systems and advanced Photonics applications.

This project, advanced crystal film engineering, is specifically aimed at developing new functional composites for advanced laser applications. Your role will include designing, growth, characterisation, and utilisation of PLD-grown advanced materials, suiting someone who is experimentally capable and keen to learn practical skills. Opportunities also exist for supporting modelling studies to augment the understanding of the complex PLD dynamics and device applications.

Due to the nature of this project, there will be opportunity for both inter-disciplinary research within the university and collaboration with external partners at national facilities and foreign universities.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Jacob Mackenzie, Planar Waveguide and Slab Lasers Research Group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2693

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

The start date will typically be late September, but other dates are possible.

Funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]

The School of Zepler Institute is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.