About the project
This project explores compact mid-infrared (mid-IR) LiDAR systems for gas sensing. You’ll design and prototype photonic devices that detect and map trace gases using their unique infrared fingerprints.
This project focuses on developing compact mid-infrared LiDAR systems for gas sensing, a technology capable of remotely detecting gas leaks, emissions, or contamination with exceptional precision. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) measures distance by illuminating a target with laser light and analysing the reflected signal. By shifting LiDAR operation into the mid-infrared wavelength range, where many gases have strong and distinct absorption lines, we can detect specific chemical species from a distance. This makes mid-IR LiDAR a powerful tool for environmental monitoring, safety inspection, and process control.
This project’s objectives are to explore integrated and miniaturised LiDAR architectures suitable for deployment on drones, in food storage facilities, or around industrial infrastructure. You would be responsible for designing photonic circuits for beam steering, integrating light sources and detectors, simulating optical performance and helping prototype and test real devices.
You will join one of the world’s leading photonics research centres, home to nearly 70 advanced laboratories and one of the best academic cleanroom complexes in Europe. You would receive training in nanofabrication, device characterisation, and optical system integration, as well as in commercial and in-house design software used for photonic modelling and system design. You’ll gain:
- experience designing and fabricating mid-IR photonic devices
- hands-on training in world-class cleanroom and laboratory facilities
- opportunities to apply photonics to impactful sensing applications
- skills in working in a multidisciplinary team
The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) 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.
