Quasi-Phase-Matched Materials for Active Sensing in the Midinfrared Waveband
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Optoelectronics Research Ctr (closed)
Abstract
Commercially available nonlinear optical crystals are used in a number of defence and civilian applications to access mid-infrared wavelengths that would otherwise not be available from standard laser systems. In this project the student will learn to fabricate novel nonlinear materials needed to access the far-infrared spectrum where chemical fingerprinting can be performed. The student will also learn to design and build laser systems for upconversion detection, a technique used to convert invisible radiation to visible, detectable wavelengths and enable imaging in difficult conditions.
| Description | Gained significant insight into manipulating certain materials which will eventually be used for wavelength conversion with partners at DSTL. Also gained significant knowledge on the physical machining of certain materials to restructure them (again for wavelength conversion). This knowledge transfers from the award holder to their peers to allow significant advances in the field of precision machining (which is not typically associated with optics). |
| Exploitation Route | Outcome of this research could be used for mid-infrared wavelength conversion and associated applications (chemical detection, mid-IR lasing, spectrometry, etc...), particularly in the UK defence industry. Further outcomes include the precision machining of certain materials for optics purposes, which is a knowledge shared and used among peers for their separate projects. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Chemicals |
| Description | Findings used in collaboration with DSTL (UK defence industry). Ongoing work with them and wavelength conversion tools (Optical Parametric Oscillators) |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |
| Description | DSTL PhD CASE Studentship (Charlie Turner) |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | DSTL are the industrial sponsors of a PhD studentship performed at the University of Southampton. |
| Collaborator Contribution | DSTL provided student and consumables funding for the project and steer on the applications and goals of the project. The University of Southampton have provided PhD supervision, project objectives, and access to facilities, equipment, and consumables required for the project. |
| Impact | Knowledge of material processing techniques relevant to DSTL. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Infrared workshop on 6th December 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Workshop on new technologies for generating and using mid-infrared wavelengths in new applications. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | NATO SET-267 on advanced mid-infrared technology on 21-22nd October 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | NATO workshop on the development of mid-IR lasers for applications in defence and security. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Photonics Hub Industry Day at the University of Southampton on 20th September 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Departmental open day. Trade Show event and lab tours for visitors from industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |