About the project
Scaling laser power in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) 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 and defence. 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 frequency-converted fibre lasers operated at very high power levels to establish a power scaling strategy and to determine the fundamental limits. The overall ambition of the project will be a new generation of visible and UV lasers boasting levels of performance well beyond the current state-of-the-art for use in industrial laser processing.
A fully funded PhD place on this project is available for UK 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 (Laser Quantum (part of Novanta) based in the UK).
The ORC is one of the world’s leading research institutes in laser science and photonics. Its researchers have made pioneering advances in the 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. A visit to meet us is recommended and Zoom / Teams interviews are also possible if necessary.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- choose PhD ORC(Full time)
- add supervisor Andy Clarkson in section 2
Applications should include:
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your CV (resumé)
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2 reference letters
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degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, please contact: wac@orc.soton.ac.uk
