We aim to use Terahertz radiation combined with ultrafast Photonics to push the boundary of what we can see in the microscopic world, sharply beyond what it currently achievable. This goal requires a foundational study and a typical high-risk high-gain research approach, with dense fundamental and applied research outputs and novel intellectual properties of industrial interest.
The project will take place within the facilities of the Emergent Photonics Research Centre of Loughborough University , a 600m^2 infrastructure completely dedicated to Photonic Complexity (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/emergent-photonics/) and it is funded by The Leverhulme Trust via the project Terahertz four-dimensional microscopy (HYPERSIGHT).
Project Background. Generally, access to microscopic domains is fundamentally limited by the diffraction law. Capturing objects smaller than the electromagnetic wavelength is challenging. Interestingly, in many domains, a core motivator of electromagnetic sensing is the extraction of the spectral fingerprint of an object. Yet, the ability to recover sub-wavelength 3-dimensional objects preserving spectral features (an additional dimension) of all of its parts is sharply beyond our abilities. The terahertz spectrum has been widely investigated because of its ability to reveal the physical/chemical properties of objects. Relevant to the project, our team has recently demonstrated the ‘nonlinear ghost imaging’, a promising space-time methodology capable of extracting spectrally-accurate hyperspectral morphologies in 2D objects. HYPERSIGHT points to exploiting the underlining physics and demonstrating 4-dimensional imaging of a sub-wavelength object, which is currently beyond our abilities. The PhD will engage in the development of the modelling for a multi-dimensional space-time imaging approach targeting the extraction of spectral information in subwavelength volumes (i.e. an hyperspectral micro-tomography). They will gain a considerable spectrum of transversal skills and join a vibrant research team at the Emergent Photonics Research Centre, with exposure to a diversified set of experimental endeavours and to a vast research collaboration network.
Find us here:
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/emergent-photonics
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/experts/marco-peccianti/
Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.
Supervisors
Name of primary supervisor
Prof Marco Peccianti
Name of secondary supervisor
Prof Alessia Pasquazi
Primary supervisor email address:
[Email Address Removed]
Primary supervisor telephone number:
+441509223316
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or a related subject.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).
Find out more about research degree funding
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Physics. Please quote the advertised reference number: MP/LH1/2022 in your application.
See studentship assessment criteria.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
Apply now
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