Single-photon depth imaging under extreme conditions

This PhD project will examine single-photon imaging in a number of extreme environments, including thorough atmospheric obscurants, scattering media and in extreme low-light environments. Single-photon imaging has become an emerging imaging technology with potential in a number of application areas, including automotive, marine and security and defence. As single-photon detection technology develops, a number of aspects of imaging remain to be explored. This PhD will examine several aspects of the technology, including using detection at wavelengths beyond the relatively long wavelength of 1550 nm. We have a long-term EPSRC-funded collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech on longer wavelength superconducting nanowire detectors. This accesses parts of the spectrum that may be more suitable for imaging through obscurants and other application areas. A further area of interest is the use of novel quantum illumination states to actively image targets in a highly covert manner, and examination of quantum super-resolution approaches.

Applicants must have or expect to have a first-class degree or equivalent in a physics or engineering course, and be strongly motivated with the drive required to pursue 3.5 years of intensive practical and theoretical work. The ideal candidate has a good knowledge of optics and photonics and experience in a laboratory environment is expected.

Heriot‑Watt’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) is a thriving environment for PhD research, having a total of 160 academics, postdocs, PhD and EngD students working full‑time in the general photonics field. Heriot‑Watt is based in a modern environment on the outskirts of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), with excellent transport links to the centre of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Heriot-Watt is both leading and a partner in a number of EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (details to follow).