Femtosecond frequency combs for precision distance metrology

This is a PhD research project in Physics. The most accurate laser frequency combs are those based on the solid-state gain crystal Ti:sapphire, which normally requires an expensive, water cooled green laser pump source. At Heriot-Watt we have obtained direct pumping using green laser diodes, a potentially game-changing technology. This project will develop laser-diode pumped Ti:sapphire frequency combs, leveraging their size and modulation bandwidth to develop versatile and cost-effective combs that can be multiplexed to achieve ultra-high-precision distance metrology using cooperative targets such as retroreflectors. Beginning with the development of novel Ti:sapphire dual-comb systems, the project will move towards applying these in collaboration with our industrial partner Renishaw for applications in quantifying machine-tool errors. The student will be registered at Heriot-Watt University where they will spend the majority of their time. Renishaw PLC is based on the same campus as Heriot-Watt.