Single photon timing in the picosecond regime

The ultimate time resolution of a detector is limited by charge carrier velocities responsible for the electronic signal representing the event. In solid state detectors the signal bandwidth is limited by the mobilities of the charge carriers of the particular material: the highest mobilities being found in exotic materials such as GaAs and graphene. Although vacuum tube technology has been superseded by solid state devices in many areas, fast timing remains a niche where the electrons velocities in vacuum allow timing performance which surpasses all other technologies.

The High-Speed Imaging Group within the Space Research Centre at Leicester, led by Professor Jon Lapington, specialises in the research and development of vacuum and solid state based photon-counting detectors for space and other applications where ultimate sensitivity coupled with imaging and ultra-high time resolution is a requirement. The aim of this programme is to improve PMT state-of-the-art timing performance by an order of magnitude, opening the door to a range of new ultra-fast timing applications, including intensity interferometry utilising the Cherenkov Telescope Array in which the group is already collaborating.

This studentship will study and develop technologies to exploit the ultimate timing potential of photomultiplier tubes (PMT). Conventional PMTs and microchannel plate intensifiers utilise reflection dynodes which allow a multitude of electron trajectories within the device giving rise to time-broadening of the signal down to ~25 picoseconds. This studentship will investigate novel materials and techniques for the manufacture of transmission dynodes: electron gain structures which allow linear electron trajectories with minimal time-broadening, resulting in potential time resolution in picoseconds.

This project is aligned with the EPSRC themes:
Materials: will include modelling and experimental testing and characterisation of novel dynode materials e.g. poly/nanocrystalline diamond membranes, SiC, etc., and manufacturing into operational dynode devices.
Astronomy, Space and Earth Observation: A picosecond PMT is an enabling technology for implementation of intensity interferometry for ultra-high resolution astronomy.

Life Sciences Interface: A picosecond PMT would provide a step change in performance for life science applications such as: time resolved spectroscopy e.g. FLIM, TCSPC, FRET; medical imaging e.g. time-of-flight PET.

Data Analytics and Computational Modelling: Computational Modelling will be used to characterise potential dynode materials and configurations prior to manufacture, e.g. DFT modelling of dynode materials for electron transport and NEA characteristics, particle-in-cell modelling of electron gain device operation.

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject. The University of Leicester English language requirements apply where applicable.

How to apply
The online application and supporting documents are due by Monday 21st January 2019.

Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the studentship scheme.

References should arrive no later than Monday 28th January 2019.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline, so that we can let you know if anything is missing from your application.

Required Materials
1. Online application form
2. Two academic references
3. Transcripts
4. Degree certificate/s (if awarded)
5. Curriculum Vitae
6. EPSRC Studentship Form
7. English language qualification

Applications which are not complete by the deadline will not be considered for the studentship scheme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application form and documents are received by the relevant deadlines.

All applications must be submitted online, along with the supporting documents as per the instructions on the website. Please ensure that all email addresses, for yourself and your referees, are correct on the application form.

Project / Funding Enquiries
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
Closing date for applications – 21st January 2019