Ultralightweight Optics, Photonics, and Optoelectronics for Space

Supervisory Team: Dr. Nina Vaidya 

Project description: 

Design and fabrication of space compatible optical and optoelectronic devices: lightweight optics and renewable energy sources like space solar arrays are one of the most crucial aspects of a successful space mission. Can novel device designs, materials, and fabrication techniques be utilized to create space compatible optical reflectors, photonic metamaterials, and optoelectronic devices, that go beyond present mass, efficiency, and new functionality records? This PhD project will cover design, fabrication, and testing of space devices including ultralightweight reflectors, photonic stacks, thin-film coatings, and solar cellsà created with novel materials and fabrication processes to make ultralightweight devices for space launch which also have durability in the harsh space environments. The student will have a chance to learn and contribute to the sustainability net zero aims while innovating for the upcoming space era. These topics align well with future careers in academia, research, as well as the national and international space, aerospace, solar and sustainability engineering companies and start-ups. 

Nina Vaidya is a Lecturer/ Assistant Professor in Astronautics and Spacecraft Engineering at the University of Southampton. Nina undertook her undergraduate study in Engineering at the University of Cambridge, England, UK and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, CA, USA. The Vaidya research group specializes in the area of optics and material design in applications including nano-photonics and metamaterials, nano-fabrication, energy materials, 3D printing of functional components, and high-specific power space-based systems. Nina works on concepts to break optics and optoelectronic limits and new fabrication techniques to implement them, which have the potential to change the way we conceptualize, fabricate, and deploy engineering systems. Her innovations in 3D printing to create nanometer-smooth optical devices and gradient index immersion optical concentrators are published as first author Nature Springer papers; and her work at Caltech on creating the space based solar power (SBSP) prototypes was featured in a BBC world service interview. This SBSP project reached an important milestone of a space launch with SpaceX Transporter 6 and received successful data from space. 

Some of the past papers and projects can be found at the Google scholar link that can tell more about the type of work that can be done:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9WwskPgAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninavaidya/ 

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in electrical and electronic engineering or applied physics; and an interest in engineering and experimentation to innovate. Applied physics, photonic, and optical knowledge is a pre-requisite. Other related degrees and work experiences will be considered if explained in the cover letter. 

Closing date: 12/09/2024 

Funding: Funding for 1 home or international student is available. 

How To Apply

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

Applications should include:

Brief Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two confidential reference letters sent directly by the reference writers

Degree Transcripts for your undergrad and masters 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk