You might be a potential candidate if you are interested in both photonics and artificial intelligence. A PhD scholarship is available in the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation at University of Exeter (Exeter, UK), supervised by Dr. Changxu Liu and Prof. C David Wright, to develop novel optical metamaterials based on phase change materials by virtue of the AI-aided electromagnetic design.
Metamaterials are artificial structures with unprecedented electromagnetic properties that may not be found in nature or their constituent components. Ground-breaking applications ranging from invisible cloaking, super-imaging to negative refraction have been achieved thought the judicious design of the man-made structures with feature size at nanoscale. Recent development of phase change materials offers an unparalleled platform for photonic devices to operate dynamically, in sharp contrast with static counterparts based on metallic or dielectric materials. However, the desired tunability of the device gigantically increases the complexity of the design, driving the conventional methods (physics intuition based) inefficient or even impractical. Our aim is to develop the next generation phase change metamaterials with the assistance of artificial intelligence including topology optimisation, deep learning and beyond. The topics will cover both fundamental physics (light matter interactions between topological/structured light and phase change materials) and practical applications (photonic computing).
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in the following related areas: plasmonics, nanophotonics and/or optical metamaterials. Experience in numerical simulation in photonics (by Lumerical FDTD, COMSOL Multiphysics and/or CST Microwave Studio) is desirable. Experience in Deep-learning packages in MATLAB and/or Python is a plus. During this studentship you will be exposed to a wide range of exciting areas including nanophotonics, optical metamaterials and deep learning, developing your skills in optical design, nanofabrication/characterisations, and programming.
About the Centre for Metamaterials Research and Innovation
You would be joining the doctoral training programme at the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation (CMRI) at the University of Exeter. We support all our students in developing their scientific knowledge whilst also providing transferable and technical skills training to prepare them for careers within and outside of academia.
The PhD students learn together in targeted courses, self-driven activity groups, and exposure to industry to gain scientific background knowledge beyond their areas of expertise, and to equip themselves with transferable professional skills such as creative thinking, project management, and leadership. We are now home to a diverse community of over 30 active PhD students (Postgraduate Researchers, PGRs) who are training in a stimulating, challenging yet supportive cohort-based environment. Since 2018, over 65 graduates have entered into employment in industry and as postdocs in Higher Education Institutions in and outside of the UK.
About the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter combines world class research with excellent student satisfaction. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities. Formed in 1955, the University has over 20,000 students from more than 130 different countries. Its success is built on a strong partnership with its students and a clear focus on high performance. Recent breakthroughs to come out of Exeter's research include the identification and treatment of new forms of diabetes and the creation of the world's most transparent, lightweight, and flexible conductor of electricity.
We are one of the very few universities to be both a member of the Russell Group and have a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), evidence of our established international reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. Our success is built on a strong partnership with our students and a clear focus on high performance.
Exeter is also ranked amongst the world’s top 200 universities in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
Entry requirements
Eligibility: UK and International applicants.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/englishlanguagerequirements
Summary
Application deadline: 30/09/2023
Number of awards: 1
Value: Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £18,622 per year full-time.
Duration of award: 3.5 years
Contact: CMRI [Email Address Removed]
For more information and to apply click here: Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter
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