Optical Frequency Combs

Optical frequency combs provide an ultra-precise spectroscopic ruler that allows the measurement of optical frequencies with unprecedented levels of accuracy. These combs are now used in a myriad of applications ranging from extra-solar planet detection to optical telecommunications. Optical microresonators are tiny optical cavities that can trap light for extended periods of time allowing for highly efficient nonlinear interactions. Under the correct conditions optical microresonators can form high-quality frequency combs. The Auckland group has considerable experience in both the theory and experimental investigation of microresonator frequency combs. The successful candidate will work with our group on topics based around the theory, fabrication, and experimental implementation of new microresonator based comb designs.

The project will be hosted at the nonlinear photonics group of Associate Professors Stuart Murdoch, Miro Erkintalo, and Stephane Coen at the Department of Physics, University of Auckland, New Zealand, and pursued in close collaboration with Associate Professor Harald Schwefel at the University of Otago.

We are looking for an academically outstanding candidate who is highly-motivated to conduct world-class experimental and theoretical research in this rapidly growing research area. The ideal candidate will have some background experience in experimental physics preferably fibre optics, microresonators and photonics. Familiarity with scientific computing (using e.g. Matlab or Python) is considered an advantage.

For more information about the research group, please visit http://www.laserlab.auckland.ac.nz

The wider context

The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is a national Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)and a world-class organisation which builds on Aotearoa-New Zealand’s (NZ) internationally acknowledged strength in the fields of quantum optics, photonics, ultracold atomic gases, and precision atomic physics. Photonics, the manipulation of the quantum building blocks of light, and the precision control of matter at the atomic scale through the use of light, underpin technological development in areas such as computing, advanced sensing technologies and medical imaging, and communication.

The Dodd-Walls Centre, hosted by the University of Otago, involves six universities in NZ. Your PhD project while based at one institution will allow you to collaborate with researchers from across the Centre. More information about our Research Centre can be found here: https://doddwalls.ac.nz/

The Dodd-Walls Centre mission

• To solidify our position as a Research Centre that is recognised as one of the world’s leading organisations in the field of photonic and quantum technologies,
• To train and develop skilled staff and students to the highest international standards,
• To capitalise upon the international investment in quantum and optical sciences for the benefit of New Zealand,
• To support the rapidly growing high-tech industry sector, thus ensuring New Zealand’s economic diversification and providing career pathways for the outstanding people that we train,
• To provide support for New Zealand’s climate action through improved environmental measurement and monitoring, and,
• To ensure that the benefits of advances in science and technology, especially in photonics and quantum technologies, are available to all.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet Auckland University entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission.

This is an interdisciplinary project so applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds will be considered. Applications should have strong undergraduate knowledge in some of these areas:

• We are looking for an academically outstanding candidate who is highly-motivated to conduct world-class experimental and theoretical research in this rapidly growing research area.
• The ideal candidate will have some background experience in experimental physics preferably fibre optics, microresonators and photonics.
• Familiarity with scientific computing (using e.g. Matlab or Python) is considered an advantage.

This project is based in Auckland, New Zealand and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, please prepare the following items:

• A brief CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history, and references.
• A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to the main supervisor of this project Stuart Murdoch (s.murdoch@auckland.ac.nz) who will guide you through the scholarship application process.