About the project
This project involves artificial-intelligence-based approaches to retrieving information from obscured interactions of targets with high-power laser beams, and the lasers.
Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of laser-based energy transfer technologies in defence and related sectors? The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub.
When a laser beam interacts with a target, the interaction often creates a plume. This can obscure the target, making it difficult to retrieve target information to determine how effective the interaction is. In case of a multi-functional laser, target information also helps in selecting the functionality. This applies to industrial laser processing as well as to defence and security applications.
You will research both artificial-intelligence-based approaches to retrieving information from obscured interactions of targets with high-power laser beams, and the lasers you will use. As your research progresses, the lasers will gradually evolve in capability towards high-power multi-functional fibre arrays.
You will acquire expertise in artificial intelligence, lasers and laser arrays, and control.
The main objectives are:
- realisation of an artificial intelligence (machine-learning-based) system for obscured target information retrieval;
- the experimental realisation and characterisation of suitable lasers, including multi-functional and / or phased-array fibre lasers;
- lab tests on different targets.
The ORC is a world-leading photonics research institution with over 350 members. The ORC has a large cleanroom complex, a large number of well-equipped laser labs and strong connections to industry and government research.
The industrial partner, NKT Photonics, will provide additional PhD supervision (co-supervisor Dr Adam Devine) and a placement. NKT Photonics is a leading supplier of high-performance fibre lasers.
The Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub specialises in developing research and training the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies for defence and related sectors. The successful candidate will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, and our specialist industrial network. See for more details on the extensive Hub-specific training.
