Liquid crystals for augmented reality and virtual reality technologies

Liquid crystals are a remarkable class of soft materials that combine properties of conventional crystals and liquids. They are sensitive to their interaction with contacting surfaces, temperature, electric and magnetic field making these materials invaluable for display devices and as optical components in electronics and communication technologies. <br /> <br /> Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have potential to revolutionize the ways we perceive and interact with digital information. However, achieving satisfying user experience ensured by high quality optics requires tuneable materials such as liquid crystals and extremely accurate fabrication processes for AR/VR devices. There are challenges in using liquid crystal based devices for AR VR including overcoming chromatic aberration and optical losses and achieving the right set of optical properties such as refractive index and birefringence. <br /> <br /> This project will seek to address some of the technological challenges and significantly enhance our understanding of materials and devices required for AR/VR. It will focus on developing novel materials and characterising the interplay between materials and devices. The project is a collaboration with Merck Electronics, a global manufacturer of liquid crystals for display technologies.<br /> <br /> The project will take place in the Soft Matter Physics group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Leeds. Within the group, we have a variety of activities across soft matter. We work with world-leading chemists, engineers and theoreticians and our research is truly interdisciplinary. During the course of the PhD project a variety of experimental and device fabrication techniques will be employed offering an excellent practical training to the PhD student. The research environment offers superb facilities, provides a high quality research training and delivers an exceptional student education.<br /> <br /> Suitable candidates would have a background in soft matter physics, condensed matter physics, material physics or engineering, physical chemistry, or a closely related field.<br /> <br /> The project supervisors are Dr Mamatha Nagaraj, Prof Helen Gleeson, Dr Richard Mandle and Prof Gordon Love. <br />

<p>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>PHD Physics & Astronomy</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Liquid crystals for augmented reality and virtual reality technologies</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4119/dr-mamatha-nagaraj">Dr Mamatha Nagaraj</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>School of Physics & Astronomy (MERCK) Studentship</strong></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><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Wednesday 23 April 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

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 an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. 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" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive School of Physics & Astronomy studentship in collaboration with Merck Electronics, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.<br /> <br /> 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> </p> <p> </p>

<p>If you have any questions directly relating to the project, please contact <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4119/dr-mamatha-nagaraj">Dr Mamatha Nagaraj</a> by email to <a href="mailto:M.Nagaraj@leeds.ac.uk">M.Nagaraj@leeds.ac.uk</a> or call us on +44 (0)113 343 8475</p> <p>For further information on how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>