DOCTORAL CANDIDATE 7

To render PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) based sensor systems truly applicable for sensing applications – particularly in biopharma and medical diagnostics – robust integration of light sources and detectors is essential. These systems must maintain high analytical performance while supporting sterility, sample integrity, and the use of disposable microfluidic cartridges. A modular design, enabling reusability and interchangeability of components, is critical for real-world deployment.

DC7 will focus on the laser physics and photonic integration required to support such a system. A major aspect of the project will involve the characterisation and optimisation of near- and mid-infrared lasers, including their beam properties, thermal stability, modulation behaviour, and free-space coupling efficiency. This will be paired with work on the optical and mechanical packaging of these sources into a robust, compact platform compatible with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and disposable sensing cartridges. The NIR laser will be integrated through a modular optical interface using 3D-printed lenses on fibre arrays and PICs – designed to preserve beam quality and alignment across repeated connections. The mid-IR excitation laser (developed in DC1 and DC4) will be free-space coupled into the system, and DC7 will work with IAF and DC11 on the evaluation and integration of metasurface-tuned EC-QCLs, including strategies for temperature-controlled wavelength tuning.

This project is particularly suited to candidates with a background in physics, especially laser physics, optics, or photonics, who are interested in applying fundamental optical principles to system-level challenges. The work will combine laser system design and characterisation, beam propagation modelling, and precision opto-mechanical integration, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge sensing technology with direct industrial relevance.