PhD in Engineering Bio-inspired nanophotonic devices to control light emission on-a-chip

Natural systems offer a plethora of geometries and structures that have been optimised by billions of years of evolution. In particular, if we think of plants, flowers and insects, we can find examples of ingenious ways to create colours and to enhance the light-matter interaction, by reflecting and absorbing light.

In this project, we aim at using natural patterns, like the ones found in the arrangement of the seeds of sunflowers, to create functional nano-photonic devices. These aperiodic structures will allow controlling the propagation of light and the realisation of novel lasers and single-photon sources.

The student will work on the design, nanofabrication and optical characterisation of nanophotonic devices embedding light emitters: by learning lessons from natural systems, she/he will develop new bio-inspired designs that will allow the control of quantum (single photons) and classical (laser) light emission.

Main techniques will include: finite-difference time-domain simulations of electromagnetic wave propagation, nanofabrication (electron-beam lithography, dry and wet etching, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy) and time-resolved photo-luminescence spectroscopy, down to cryogenic temperatures.

For more information, please visit our website:  https://sites.google.com/view/integrated-quantum

And contact Dr Luca Sapienza at [Email Address Removed]

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.