Sculpting electromagnetic fields at the surface of meta/nano-materials with second harmonic generation microscopy

The University of Bath is home to the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials (CPPM), which is a world-leader in photonic technologies, such as optical fibres. The MultiPhoton NanoPhotonics research group is currently emerging as a driving force in the fields of nonlinear optics and photonic nanotechnology. The group benefits from state-of-the-art laser equipment and is currently recruiting. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic team and is expected to get involved in a range of scientific projects, pursuing state-of-the-art research questions. He/she will emerge as a highly qualified expert in advanced photonic techniques with a balanced scientific skills set.

More specifically, nanoscience and nanotechnology are shaping up as hallmarks of the 21st century. Metal nanostructures (typically gold or silver) are capable of squeezing visible light within dimensions much smaller than the wavelength scale. Light can thus be manipulated or stored. Key for this extreme confinement are "surface plasmon resonances", i.e. coherent oscillations of the electrons at the surface of the nanostructures. Illumination with intense laser light leads to a strong amplitude of the electron oscillations. This process causes light to enter a nonlinear regime, opening up new avenues for exploration and applications, many of which have never been observed so far.

This is an experimental physics project that will focus on the nonlinear optical property of second harmonic generation (SHG). SHG is a frequency conversion process that can change, for instance, 800 nm laser light into 400 nm laser light. SHG is exquisitely sensitive to surface electrons and is therefore a designated tool for studying plasmonic nanostructures. We will systematically investigate metal (or dielectric) nanoarrays with an SHG microscope. The student will be among the very first users of a brand new, £500k, state-of-the-art SHG microscope at the University of Bath. The samples to be studied will be designed by us and fabricated through international collaboration with research groups in Australia, Singapore, Italy and Germany, as well as through our collaborators in University College London and the University of Cambridge.

The successful candidate would have a strong interest in optics/photonics and a preference for experimental work. He/she would be enthusiastic about science and would enjoy learning new things. He/she will receive in depth training in advanced nonlinear optical techniques and microscopy, as well as in the practical choice of individual optical components for his/hers work. Overall the candidate is expected to develop as an independent experimental scientist and will be encouraged to attend national/international scientific conferences and training schools.

Our research group is engaged in numerous outreach activities, such as visits to schools and participations in science festivals. An interest in communicating science to the public, robotics or digital art would be an advantage.

For general information about our research and the group, please visit: http://www.valev.org