Tunable THz laser source (physics)

A fully tunable and efficient source of THz radiation is required for a large number of security and medical applications. This project will involve the design, fabrication and characterisation of such a source based on the nonlinear optical process of difference frequency generation in an integrated semiconductor laser structure. The PhD will push the boundaries of quantum dot active region design, optical coupling design to maximise tunability and introduce new concepts and fabrication strategies for compound semiconductors coupled to Ge or Si, which are practically dispersionless in the THz.
The work will be underpinned by a good understanding of optical and semiconductor physics and will lead to the further understanding of the physics of light-matter interactions, ultrafast laser physics and characterisation techniques. There will be the opportunity to exploit and develop skills in experimental physics and in semiconductor device fabrication. This background and the materials and device development which forms the core of the programme also has strong relevance to a number of other highly topical areas.
The project will be carried out in the Condensed Matter and Photonics Group, which is equipped with a suite of state-of-the-art laboratories including two class 1000 cleanrooms for device and test structure fabrication. The group has extensive experimental and theoretical expertise and capability including a number of world leading material, device fabrication and characterisation
techniques invented in house.