Development of power-scalable and wavelength-flexible fibre lasers in the two-micron wavelength band to serve the needs of emerging applications in medicine and materials processing

Supervisor: Prof. Andy Clarkson
Co-supervisor: Dr Peter Shardlow

Optoelectronics Research Centre

Two-micron fibre laser technology has the potential to yield a wealth of new applications in areas such as industrial laser processing, medicine, defence and optical communications. Moreover, significant power scaling advantages can be gained by moving from traditional ytterbium-doped fibre lasers operating in the one-micron band to the two-micron band. The main focus of this project will be to create a world leading power-scalable two-micron fibre laser platform based on thulium and holmium-doped fibres for operation in continuous-wave and pulsed regimes. The research programme will study the physics of thulium and holmium doped fibre gain media to formulate new strategies for scaling laser output power whilst simultaneously achieving high efficiency and good beam quality. Thulium and holmium doped glasses offer access to a wide range of wavelengths in the two-micron band, so an important aspect of the programme will be to develop lasers with flexibility in operating wavelength driven by the needs of emerging applications in areas such as medicine and materials processing.

A fully funded PhD place on this project is available for UK applicants supported by an EPSRC CASE Studentship. The project will involve close collaboration with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high power fibre lasers for industrial applications (SPI Lasers based in the UK). The studentship comes with an enhanced stipend (including an additional industrial bursary) of up to £21,000 (tax-free) and with fees paid. A visit to meet us is recommended and phone / Skype interviews are also possible if necessary. Please contact Prof. Andy Clarkson (email: [Email Address Removed]) for further details.

The PhD programme
The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) PhD programme comprises a solid education for a research career. The structured first year involves attending our training programme running in parallel with carrying out your research project. This provides a smooth transition from your degree course towards the more open-ended research that takes place in the following years under the guidance of your project supervisors. We expect the vast majority of our students to present their work at international conferences and to write papers in leading academic journals as their research progresses. Students will emerge from the PhD with skills at the forefront of future laser and nonlinear optics research.

The ORC is one of the world’s leading research institutes in laser science and photonics. Its researchers have made pioneering advances in the high power fibre lasers and solid-state lasers that currently have widespread industrial applications. A PhD here has enabled our past graduates to make successful careers in academia, in national scientific laboratories, and as scientists or business leaders in industry.

Key facts
Entry requirements: First or upper second-class degree or equivalent
Closing date: Applications should be received no later than 30 September 2019 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.
Duration: Typically 3.5 years (full-time)
Funding: Full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of up to £21,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.
Start date: Typically September / October 2019