Terahertz frequency devices for future communication systems

High data throughput wireless communication systems are central to our lives and livelihoods. Data traffic is increasing exponentially, with the fastest-growing part of this increase being on wireless channels, as mobile users increasingly make use of online services.  This is unsustainable using state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, and further compounded by the shortage of allocable electromagnetic spectrum into which current radio frequency and microwave wireless communications can grow. <br /> <br /> As part of a £7M research programme between the Universities of Leeds, Cambridge and UCL, we are developing the first high throughput wireless communication systems operating at terahertz carrier frequencies for both terrestrial and low-earth-orbit satellite application.  These would enable a two orders-of-magnitude increase in data rates over state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, beyond 100 Gbit/s and towards 1 Tbit/s. 

<p style="text-align:start">A range of potential PhD projects are associated with this research programme, which can be tailored to the interests and background of the candidate.  For example, at the heart of the proposed communication system is the quantum cascade laser (QCL), a semiconductor device comprising more than 1000 separate layers, each patterned with atomic monolayer precision.  Edge- and surface-emitting QCLs tuned to atmospheric windows, with suitable output powers, beam quality and operational temperatures need to be developed, and a PhD project in this area would involve the candidate gaining extensive experience in semiconductor device modelling, device fabrication, and electrical and optical characterisation of the lasers.  Aligned research projects are available focussing on other aspects of the communication systems including developing new terahertz amplitude and phase-resolved coherent detectors, as well as fast optical and electrical signal modulation methodologies.</p> <p>These projects would suit an applicant with a good first degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or an aligned subject. </p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Terahertz frequency devices for future communication systems </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/298/professor-giles-davies-freng">Professor Giles Davies</a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/622/dr-joshua-freeman">Dr Joshua Freeman</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/333/professor-edmund-linfield">Professor Edmund Linfield</a> as your proposed supervisors. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26:  Electronic & Electrical Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 15 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement and Research Proposal</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or an aligned subject.  Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><em><strong>Important: </strong></em>Please note that that the award does <strong><em>not</em></strong> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about this project, please contact Professor Giles Davies by email to <a href="mailto:G.Davies@leeds.ac.uk">G.Davies@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>