Next generation high power fibre lasers in the visible and ultraviolet wavelength bands

A fully funded PhD project with a stipend of £23,600 (tax-free) p.a. is available to investigate novel concepts for high power lasers operating in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength bands. Scaling laser power in the visible and ultraviolet bands remains as one of the most significant challenges facing laser scientists, motivated by the needs of a growing number of applications in areas such laser processing of materials, medicine, sensing, defence and quantum technology. Traditional methods for accessing this wavelength regime are not compatible with operation at high power levels and so a different approach is needed. This project will investigate a new strategy for generating kilowatt-class laser power in the visible band and >100 W in the UV band by combining the power-scaling advantages of cladding-pumped fibre lasers in the near-infrared band with novel nonlinear frequency conversion schemes. The approach offers the prospect of unprecedented wavelength coverage across the entire visible and UV wavelength bands at very high-power levels and with high overall efficiency. The project will involve a detailed study into the physics of nonlinear frequency-converted fibre lasers operated at very high-power levels to formulate a strategy for power scaling and to determine the fundamental limits. The use of techniques, such as coherent beam combination, will also be explored for increasing power beyond the limit of a single source.

A fully funded PhD place on this project is available for UK and EU applicants supported by an EPSRC CASE Studentship. The project will involve close collaboration with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high power visible solid-state lasers (Novanta Technologies UK Ltd). The studentship comes with an enhanced stipend (including an additional industrial bursary) of £23,600 (tax-free) p.a. with fees paid, and very generous funding to support travel to international conferences. Applicants should have a first class or a good upper-second class degree (or the equivalent) in physics, engineering or a related discipline.

The ORC is one of the world’s leading research institutes in laser science and photonics. Its researchers have made pioneering advances in the area of high-power fibre lasers and solid-state lasers that currently have widespread industrial applications. A PhD here has enabled our past graduates to make successful careers in academia, in national scientific laboratories, and as scientists or business leaders in industry. Please contact Prof. Andy Clarkson (email: [email protected]) for further details. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £23,600 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online:  HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [email protected]