Ultrafast laser spectroscopy: using light to study materials on femtosecond timescales

Information on this PhD research area can be found further down this page under the details about the Widening Participation Scholarship given immediately below.

Applications for this PhD research are welcomed from anyone worldwide but there is an opportunity for UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) to apply for a widening participation scholarship.

Widening Participation Scholarship: Any UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) is invited to apply. Our scholarships seek to increase participation from groups currently under-represented within research. A priority will be given to students that meet the widening participation criteria and to graduates of the University of Salford. For more information about widening participation, follow this link: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees. [Scroll down the page until you reach the heading “PhD widening participation scholarships”.] Please note: we accept applications all year but the deadline for applying for the widening participation scholarships in 2024 is 28th March 2024. All candidates who wish to apply for the MPhil or PhD widening participation scholarship will first need to apply for and be accepted onto a research degree programme. As long as you have submitted your completed application for September/October 2024 intake by 28 February 2024 and you qualify for UK fees, you will be sent a very short scholarship application. This form must be returned by 28 March 2024. Applications received after this date must either wait until the next round or opt for the self-funded PhD route.

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Project description: This project will develop the scientific tools needed to understand the fundamental physical processes in next generation photonic materials and exploit those tools to advance our understanding of light-mater interactions in a range of semiconductor nanostructures, ranging from light harvesting photovoltaics to light-emitting diodes.

In this project the student will utilise state-of-the-art laser facilities to establish laser spectroscopic techniques, including time-resolved photoluminescence, transient absorption, and flash photolysis, to enable the study of the fundamental charge generation and transport processes in photonic materials over timescales ranging from nanoseconds to femtoseconds.

The student is expected to have a keen interest in experimental physics but hands-on experience in the use of lasers is not essential, as all training will be provided. For further information please contact Dr Marina Leontiadou.