About the project
Design and fabrication of space compatible optical and optoelectronic devices and renewable energy sources like space solar arrays are one of the most crucial aspects of a successful space mission. You will have a chance to learn and contribute to the sustainability net zero aims while innovating for the upcoming space era.
Devices for space launch have to be ultralightweight and durable in the harsh space environments. This PhD project will cover:
- design
- fabrication
- testing of space devices including ultralightweight reflectors
- thin-film coatings
- solar cells created with novel materials and fabrication processes
The aim is to see if novel device designs, materials, and fabrication techniques can be utilized to create space compatible optical reflectors and optoelectronic devices, that go beyond present mass, efficiency, and new functionality records. These topics align well with future careers in academia, research, as well as the national and international space, aerospace, solar and sustainability engineering companies and start-ups.
The supervisor, Nina Vaidya, works on concepts to break optics and optoelectronic limits and new fabrication techniques to implement them, which have the potential to change the way we conceptualize, fabricate, and deploy engineering systems. The Vaidya research group specializes in the area of optics and material design in applications including nano-photonics and metamaterials, nano-fabrication, energy materials, 3D printing of functional components, and high-specific power space-based systems.
You can find more information on the type of work that can be done on Nina Vaidya's Google Scholar page and linkedin.
