PhD Studentship

PhD Project: Frequency- and Phase-control of Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

The terahertz (THz)-frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) is a high-power source of THz radiation that has attracted significant interest for the development of imaging, sensing and spectroscopy systems across a diverse range of applications including biomedicine, industrial process monitoring, and chemical sensing. 

This EPSRC-funded PhD project aims to develop and investigate techniques for the frequency- and phase-control of the THz field emitted by QCLs, and to apply these techniques for gas spectroscopy and gas sensing.  The possibility of using surface acoustic waves (electrically-controlled micron-scale acoustic vibrations travelling along the surface of a crystal) to control the QCL emission will be investigated.  Techniques will also be developed for synchronising the fields emitted from two QCL sources using feedback electronics.

This studentship will involve training in semiconductor fabrication techniques for the processing of THz QCL sources in the School’s class 100 nanotechnology cleanroom, as well as the development of experimental techniques in laser physics, optics and electronics.  It is suitable for a motivated student with a good degree in physics, electronic/electrical engineering, or a related discipline.  The successful candidate will work as part of an experienced and vibrant research team in the field of THz science and technology.

The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Leeds was ranked top for Electronic and Electrical Engineering in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The research will be undertaken in the Institute of Microwaves and Photonics, which comprises over 60 people, including 16 academic staff.  It has an international reputation for research on semiconductor optoelectronic devices, and microwave circuits and systems, with particular expertise in the design, growth and fabrication of THz QCLs, and the development of THz QCL-based systems.

Value: This EPSRC funded studentship will begin on 1st October 2012 and is for a period of 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory performance. The studentship will fund tuition fees at a rate of £3,732 for UK/EU students or £15,600 for international students. The successful candidate will also receive an annual tax-free maintenance grant of £13,590.

Number of awards: 1

Entry requirements: Candidates should have at least an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, electronic/electrical engineering, or a related discipline.

Applicants are expected to have good experimental, mathematical and software skills.  Experience in lasers and optics would be beneficial.

If English is not your first language, then candidates must also meet the University’s English language requirements.

Supervisor: Dr Paul Dean

Application deadline: 1 March 2012

Further information: For informal enquiries please contact Dr Paul Dean by email p.dean@leeds.ac.uk

Please indicate that you are interested in these particular PhD positions in section G of the application form.

How to apply: Formal applications for research degree study should be made on-line through the University's website. Please state clearly on the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered for this scholarship. If you have published research papers, please list these in the 'Additional Information' section.

Please upload all the documents required as soon as possible. Scanned copies are acceptable though you will need to provide originals or certified copies at registration. These will include your degree certificate(s), transcripts of marks achieved in previous degrees, plus evidence of English language qualifications if your first language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an English-speaking country. Please do not provide school certificates, or non-academic certificates.

The Faculty will contact your named academic referees directly.

If you have any questions please contact our Graduate School Office.
e: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk
t: +44 (0)113 343 8000