About the project
The preparation of molecular rare-earth (lanthanide) complexes for chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is key to the development of rare-earth doped optical fibres for high-powered lasers. This project will deliver the next generation of CVD precursors through development of novel, volatile rare-earth complexes, using synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry.
The ability to create improved rare-earth (RE) doped fibre optics has applications in telecommunications, medical treatments, and quantum technologies. Laser systems using fibre optics are advantageous due to their superior heat dissipation compared to bulk media, and encapsulation in fibre provides good stability. The key difficulty to further development is the lack of high purity volatile rare-earth (lanthanide) precursors.
This project will focus on fundamental improvements over currently used chemical vapour deposition (CVD) precursors and is aimed at the generation-after-next technologies. This will involve preparation and complexation of ultra-high purity simple lanthanide raw materials to prepare new CVD precursors with excellent properties. Additionally, we will tailor the ligand coordination sphere to incorporate p-element dopants (e.g. F, P, B) which will impart superior photophysical performance on the final fibre optic.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is well equipped with synthetic, CVD, and molecular and material analysis facilities. This project will leverage these capabilities and provide you with an excellent training platform. Dr Richard Knighton has extensive experience in molecular rare‑earth complexes, while Prof Geoffrey Hyett and Prof Jayanta Sahu are experts in CVD and optical fibre technologies, respectively.
This project will focus on organic and inorganic synthetic lanthanide chemistry, with an emphasis on ligand preparation and coordination chemistry, to prepare new rare-earth complexes. You'll be trained to use a range of analytical techniques including NMR, mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and luminescence spectroscopy. The University of Southampton will give you professional training and transferable skills through the PGR Development Hub which provides a suite of training courses and support services which promotes well-being and employability.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
