Projects

Students undertake two mini-projects during their MRes/Masters year followed by a 3-year research project for their PhD.

20171130_James_crop_moodle.jpg

IMAGE: James Seddon, PhD student in the photonics group.

Overview

Students spend the first year of the programme undertaking a Masters of Research (MRes). This is an intensive course of taught modules and two mini-projects.

In their second year of the programme students begin a 3-year Postgraduate doctoral degree (PhD), supported by a supervisor and research group, working on a research project in the field of photonics.

We accept proposals for research projects from approved academic supervisors and industry partners throughout the year.

Read the guidelines for industry partners wishing to propose projects: Guidelines.pdf

Current MRes mini-projects include:

  • Artificial intelligence aided integrated photonics
  • Eye-tracking system for enhanced holographic Augmented Reality (AR) displays
  • Optical wireless data centre networks for Machine Learning
  • Quantum secured network key management
  • Near-Infrared optical wireless communication systems
  • Developing Machine Learning methods with optical imaging to detect brain function patterns
  • Optical modulation of liquid crystal in nanostructures
  • Fibre-optic sensing and optical ultrasound imaging for healthcare applications
  • Develop a system to enable super-resolution imaging of cell cultures in arctic conditions
  • Nanowire photoconductive antenna arrays for terahertz spectroscopy
  • Modelling SiPM detectors in LiFi Systems
  • Understanding the optical response of memristor dynamics for neuromorphic computing
  • Integrated photonics for automotive LIDAR
  • Broadband metasurfaces

Current PhD research projects include:

  • Advanced programmable photonic integrated circuits
  • Large-area intelligent surfaces for Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) design aided photonic systems
  • Efficient quantum key distribution (QKD)
  • Hands-free gesture and vision control for remote operation of a drone using 3D computer-generated holography
  • Terahertz imaging systems: beyond the diffraction limit
  • High speed 3D super-resolution microscopy
  • Wearable cardiac activity mapping systems
  • Coherent devices for single photon quantum imaging (industry-based)
  • Developing on-chip, DC powered THz sources for sensing and ultra-fast computing
  • Benefits of deep reinforcement learning in optical networks
  • Nanophotonics for efficient light absorption in fast detectors
  • Optical metasurface integrated LCoS devices (Meta LCOS)

Project timelines

We accept project proposals throughout the year. Deadlines are outlined below.

MRes mini-project 1

Submit proposal by:

end of August

Study mode:

part-time

Project start/end:

November to May each year

MRes mini-project 2

Submit proposal by:

end of February

Study mode:

full-time

Project start/end:

May to August each year

PhD research projects

Submit proposal by:

beginning of February

Study mode:

full-time

Project start/end:

From October each year, over 3 years


To submit a project proposal visit our Project Submission page.