PhD Research Studentship - Real-time metrology of micro-targets for high power laser systems operating at high repetition rates

Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates for a fully funded PhD studentship (4 years) within the Manufacturing Metrology Group. The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering is one of the premier engineering faculties in the UK. The 2014-15 Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology Teaching placed Nottingham as 7th in the UK and 74th in the world for teaching, research and international outlook. The last Research Excellent Framework recognised that more than 98% of research conducted in the Faculty was of international quality, with 85% graded as world leading or internationally excellent. The Faculty is a vibrant and supportive environment in which to work. It provides state-of-the art experimental and computational facilities and attracts scholars from around the world, many of whom are leaders in their fields.

The PhD Challenge:
Microtargets irradiated by high power/energy lasers enable experimental study of a wide range of objects and materials under extreme conditions for example ion production for potential future oncology techniques, laboratory astrophysics and fusion energy. The targets need to be fabricated and measured to ultrahigh precision. To fully realise the potential of future high repetition rate laser systems, real-time metrology will be required at matching rates.

The candidate will initially examine a broad range of microtarget designs and repetition rates, focussing on defining key parameters. After down-selection of specific exemplar types, metrology techniques will be derived for real time control of continuous delivery processes. Extrapolating from current research, it is envisioned that microtarget delivery systems for future high repetition rate lasers will deploy several fabrication technologies for example, MEMS, pressing and microfluidics.

The research will be conducted within a wider research team comprising of academics, post-doctoral researchers and technical staff. Additionally the research will integrate with the high power laser experimental programme of the Central Laser Facility at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

This exciting research project is industrially highly relevant and of great scientific interest and therefore will offer the candidate the possibility to establish successful industrial and academic collaborations.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Richard Leach, tel: 07467 085 482 or email:[Email Address Removed].