Hybrid monolithic lasers for quantum-enabled position, navigation & timing

About the Project

This PhD project offers the chance to develop next-generation compact hybrid monolithic lasers for quantum systems used in position, navigation, and timing (PNT). You will work on creating ultra-stable lasers with sub-kHz linewidths and novel wavelengths through cavity design, noise modelling, and advanced stabilisation techniques, while applying these systems to cutting-edge cold atom experiments.

Significant strides in the miniaturisation of quantum systems are being made by rapid advances in the development of compact lasers; however, there remain some substantial challenges where higher powers, short wavelengths, high spectral purity, or operation in harsh/remote environments are required. This is particularly critical for deployable quantum systems for position, navigation and timing (PNT). In this project we will address this key laser performance gap via the development of hybrid monolithic lasers with ultra-low frequency noise at novel wavelengths. We will build directly on our recent advances in the development of compact lasers for strontium cooling. In a proof-of-principle, using off-the-shelf optics in combination with our custom semiconductor gain structures, we have recently demonstrated frequency stability of a free-running laser down to 10-12 over 1 s [1,2]. We will now target further step changes in miniaturisation, stability, power scaling, spectral coverage, and electronic control by incorporating the optimal materials (including nonlinear and electro-optic elements) within custom monolithic resonator architectures. By collaborating with Fraunhofer CAP we will also be able to realise novel resonators via ultra-precision machining (5-axis CNC, newly installed at Fraunhofer CAP) and contact bonding of heterogeneous media, aiming to achieve sub-kHz integrated linewidth from a wavelength-engineerable monolithic laser with electronic control.

In this PhD project we will design, develop, and apply novel hybrid laser systems with ultra-low frequency noise, as required for cold-atom-based quantum systems. This project will include, but is not limited to, optical system design; laser cavity engineering, including electronic control; modelling and characterisation of thermal and mechanical noise; characterisation of laser dynamics including intensity, frequency, and phase noise; development of novel active and passive stabilisation techniques; laser spectroscopy; and cold atom experiment design. The student will also have the opportunity to work in the laboratories of Fraunhofer CAP during a 3-month placement.

1.    Martin Lee, Paulo H. Moriya, and Jennifer E. Hastie, “Monolithic VECSEL for stable kHz linewidth,” Optics Express 31 (23), 38786-38797 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.490046

2.    Paulo H. Moriya, Martin Lee, and Jennifer E. Hastie, “Sub-kHz linewidth free-running monolithic cavity VECSEL with 10-12 stability,” Applied Physics Letters 125, 021101 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0208564

Institute of Photonics: The Institute of Photonics (IoP), part of the Department of Physics, is a centre of excellence in applications-oriented research at the University of Strathclyde. The Institute’s key objective is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications and development in the area of photonics. The IoP is located in the £100M Technology and Innovation Centre on Strathclyde’s Glasgow city centre campus, at the heart of Glasgow’s Innovation District, where it is co-located with the UK’s first Fraunhofer Research Centre. Researchers at the IoP are active in a broad range of photonics fields under the areas of Photonic Devices, Advanced Lasers and Neurophotonics, please see:

http://www.strath.ac.uk/science/physics/instituteofphotonics/ourresearch/.

Strathclyde Physics is a member of SUPA, the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance.

The University of Strathclyde has been the recipient of the following awards: UK University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Guide); Scottish University of the Year 2026 (The Times and Sunday times Good University Guide); The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education 1996, 2019, 2021 & 2023; University of the Year 2012 & 2019 (Times Higher Education).

Student eligibility: To enter our PhD programme applicants require an upper-second or first class BSc Honours degree, or a Masters qualification of equal or higher standard, in Physics, Engineering or a related discipline. Full funding, covering fees and stipend, is available for applicants who are UK Nationals (meeting residency requirements) or have settled status (meeting residency requirements), pre-settled status or otherwise have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

How to apply: Applicants should send an up-to-date CV to iop@strath.ac.uk

Funding Notes

The funding covers the full stipend and tuition fees at the home rate (not the international rate). To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.