This project area is suitable for a 3-year PhD in physics. The project does not currently have funding attached, students must be able to fund the fees and their living costs by applying for a suitable scholarship, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate, or through some another source of funds. Current information on fees is available here.
Miniaturised, portable and endoscopic microscopes allow us to bring high resolution imaging out of the lab, opening up new applications in medicine, biology and environmental monitoring. At Kent we are developing fibre-based fluorescence and holographic microscopes, focusing on combining high performance with low-cost and portability.
In this project you will work on the development of multifunctional fibre-based microscopes, with a particular focus on recovering phase information through fibres. Building on results from a recent EPSRC grant on ultrathin needle microscopes, and a demonstration of inline holographic microscopy through fibre bundles, you will develop new approaches to fibre-based microscopes. One potential area of focus will be to work with collaborators to develop applications in high speed imaging of objects in flow in microfluidic chips.
The project will involve extensive experimental laboratory work on fibre imaging systems, with the student developing practical skills in optics, optoelectronics, mechanical design and 3D printing, as well as development of software for real-time visualisation and processing. The exact programme of work can be tailored to the student, but the ideal candidate would be a graduate in engineering, physics, computing or a related subject with interests and/or skills in areas such as imaging, electronics or computing, and a desire to work in the lab building innovative devices.
There is no deadline – applicants will be assessed on a rolling basis – but please note any scholarship deadlines. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Michael Hughes (m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk) for informal discussion before applying.
More Information
MSc/PhD Study in the Applied Optics Group