A fully funded EPSRC doctoral scholarship is available in the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent with a choice of two projects available in the area of Applied Optics/Biophotonics, as described below.
This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of the strongest applicant, and this decision will not be affected by the choice of project or supervisor.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Kent’s main campus in Canterbury as part of the Applied Optics Group. Occupying two floors of the University’s Photonics Centre, with the use of modern optical laboratories as well as clean-room and workshop facilities, the Applied Optics Group offers a wide range of optical prototyping, test and measurement equipment to support these projects.
Read more about postgraduate study in the Applied Optics Group.
This PhD Studentship is due to start in September 2019.
Entry requirements and funding: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering, Computing or a related subject. This is in competition with other projects for an EPSRC-funded Scholarship, which will be offered at the standard UK Research Councils’ rate (currently £14,777; to cover living costs) and will additionally cover tuition fees at the Home/EU rate (currently £4260 per annum). This scholarship (maintenance and fees) is available to UK nationals only, but EU nationals are eligible for a fees-only award.
Contact: For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Michael Hughes (m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk) and Prof Adrian Podoleanu (ap11@kent.ac.uk).
How to Apply: To apply please go to https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/212/physics
You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (Curriculum Vitae, transcript of results, two academic references). You do not need to provide a detailed project proposal, but you should clearly explain your interest, motivation and qualification to pursue a PhD in this area.
Deadline Date for Applications: 8th February 2019
Project 1. PhD in Fibre-Based Holographic Imaging
Supervisors: Dr Michael Hughes and Prof Adrian Podoleanu
The aim of this project is to investigate the transmission of high resolution optical phase information over optical fibres using digital holography. Fibre-based microscopy has a range of applications in biosciences and medicine, including as a real-time, endoscopic alternative to conventional histology. While intensity-based imaging via fibre bundles is well-established, recovery of phase information is far more challenging and will require use of holographic phase-to-intensity encoding techniques.
The project will involve prototyping fibre microscopes, identifying applications of the new techniques developed, and working with collaborators on validation studies. This will require a mix of optical laboratory work, including with complex devices such as spatial light modulators, as well as numerical modelling in Matlab or Python, and development of software for real time display and control. The exact programme of work can be adapted to the interests and skills of the candidate.
Project 2. PhD in Optical Coherence Tomography
Supervisors: Prof Adrian Podoleanu and Dr Michael Hughes
The aim of this project is to advance the technology of optical coherence tomography (OCT).
OCT has a range of applications in medical imaging and the project can focus on one of the areas of rapid development such as Master Slave and Down-conversion OCT methods, prototyping OCT assemblies, or advancing the technology of OCT components such as the optical source or ultra broadband spectrometers, or developing novel modalities for signal processing that embrace both fundamental optical principles as well as programming. Such projects can also be extended to using graphic cards or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), image processing, and artificial intelligence. All such directions aim to improve the acquisition/display speed, the resolution, or the functionality of the OCT technology.
The exact programme of work can be adapted to the interests and skills of the candidate.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Kent’s main campus in Canterbury as part of the Applied Optics Group, and work under the co-supervision of Prof Adrian Podoleanu and Dr Michael Hughes. Other co-supervisors from other schools in the Faculty of Sciences may be drawn in depending on the candidate’s interest.