Research projects within the areas of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and high-resolution imaging, THz devices and optical spectroscopy are offered for 3rd year, 4th year, MSc and PhD students

Nano-scale photonics for terahertz imaging systems (PhD project)

Terahertz (THz) waves were utilised for sensing and imaging only recently. They are now used in scientific investigations, from studies of electron-hole interactions to the search for the origins of life in the universe. Present THz components however remain inefficient and costly, presenting an obstacle for widespread practical applications. At the same time, the architecture for future THz systems is open to improvements and modifications. In this project, we will exploit recent advances in nano photonics, and design, construct and demonstrate a THz imaging system capable of resolving objects much smaller than the THz wavelength.

Project details

Background: Article in ACS Photonics

Nano-antennas for terahertz optoelectronic switches (UG project)

Nano-photonics opened incredible possibilities to manipulate optical properties of materials. In this project, the student will design structures to be incorporated into the active region of an ultrafast optoelectronic switch capable to sample electromagnetic signals within a bandwidth 10-100 wider than the best oscilloscopes available on the market.

Background: Article in ACS Photonics

Near-field sensing: can electrical conductivity of an object be measured wirelessly? (UG project)

In this project, the student will investigate near-field interaction of electromagnetic waves with small conductive objects to achieve sensing of conductivity without applying wires.

Background: Article in Appl. Phys. Lett.

Visualising radio-waves traveling in waveguides (UG project)

In this project, the student will use signal processing techniques, visual and audible representations to illustrate how radio-waves travel in waveguides.

Origins of enhanced spatial resolution microscopy (UG project)

Spatial resolution of a microscope is limited by diffraction of light. Recently however it was demonstrated that this general limit can be surpassed. In this project, the student will investigate origins of enhanced spatial resolution using radio-waves at terahertz frequencies.

Examples of research projects

MSc module: Physics and Optics of nanostructures

Terahertz (THz) near-field microscopy

Terahertz waveguides

Organic electronics and two-photon excitation photo-luminescence spectroscopy