PhD Scholarship in Engineering

PhD Research Studentship

Development of meta-materials based photonic sensors for environmental monitoring

Glasgow Caledonian University -School of Engineering and Built Environment

Reference Number:  11/12_45

Applications are invited for this full-time PhD research studentship within the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University.  The studentship is for a period of three and a half years (42 months), subject to satisfactory progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,600 [please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between International and EU fees, currently this would amount to £6,672 per annum].  The successful candidate is expected to undertake up to 6 hours of academic support activity per week.

Project Description

This exciting project, which involves collaboration with the University of Glasgow, aims to investigate and develop photonic sensors based on novel meta-materials for environmental monitoring applications.

Photonic meta-materials based on micro-structured arrays of metal elements, such as split-ring resonators (SRR), have been demonstrated to have unique optical properties that can enable a range of exciting and novel applications for optical spectroscopy. SRRs have been reported to provide enhanced sensitivity for detection of molecular resonances of organic materials and surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy.

The project will provide the candidate with the opportunity to gain experience in the three key skill areas, 1) development of computer simulations based on Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method, 2) state of the art nano-fabrication techniques for photonic structures and 3) advanced optical characterisation and spectroscopy techniques.

Project Lead:  Prof Scott McMeekin (Scott.McMeekin@gcu.ac.uk)  

Further information available here

Required background and/or experience of the candidate:

The candidate should possess a 1st or 2.1 honours degree in electronic engineering, physics or equivalent. It is anticipated that the candidate will liaise with industry and that he/she will have to travel nationally/internationally for meetings and conference presentations.

How to Apply:

Application forms are available here  and once completed should be returned to GCUStudentships@gcu.ac.uk 

Please state the Project Title and reference number (as above) on the completed application form.

The closing date for applications is Friday 7^th September; short-listed candidates will be contacted by 28^thSeptember with interview details.