Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled.

Microstructured Optical Fibres (MOFs) are a novel, potentially revolutionising, type of optical fibres that use wavelength-scale internal structures to guide and manipulate light. Examples of MSFs include suspended core fibres, where thin membranes suspend a glass core in the centre of a hollow tube, and hollow core photonic bandgap fibres (HCPBGF), in which a hollow core is surrounded by a honeycomb structure to guide light in air. The fibres are made from a larger scale glass preform which is heated and drawn down in size to produce long lengths of fibre. During the draw, heat and various gas pressurisation methods are applied to control the internal structure towards the desired geometry. Currently, manufacturing a specific design is extremely challenging and time consuming since the large parameter space is typically scanned empirically by trial and error.

The project proposes the development and application of a fluid model that will predict the internal microstructure evolution from initial preform designs, draw parameters and material data. This project involves strong collaboration with the Microstructured Fibre group at the Optoelectronic Research Centre (ORC), one of the world-leading groups in MOF-related research

The project would consist of several stages:

1. Development of model with simple geometry and experimental validation:

a. Coordinate with researchers at the ORC.
b. Design a range of geometries which will be fabricated at the ORC and compare.

2. Advancement of the model:

a. Integrate with existing codes that examine optical loss of the structure.
b. Include the different heating regimes of radiation or conduction.
c. Investigate capability to run parametric sweeps using HPC facilities and GPU technology.

3. Use of the model to aid fabrication and fibre development:

a. Conduct perturbation analysis by simulating defects or contaminants.
b. ‘Virtually draw’ designs recommended by theorists for low loss.
c. Explore novel fibre concepts, such as multicore hollow core fibres, mixing glass types and inclusion of metallic components.
d. Identify appropriate compromises so theoretical designs can be fabricated whilst maintaining low loss features.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact John Shrimpton, Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics research group, Email: john.shrimpton<στο>soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 24894.

Funding information: This project is in competition with others for the associated funding. The funding covers EU/UK fees and stipend. Overseas students may have to cover the difference between UK/EU fees and international fees.

This project is run through participation in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk). For a summary of our 4 Year PhD programme, please see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=331&LID=2652.