Frequency comb chip lasers

About the projects

Are you a student looking to undertake a PhD in experimental laser physics and photonics? 

This research aims to advance our compact laser frequency comb chips to realise unique advanced precision sensing instruments that have the potential to underpin new generation quantum sensors. Following the Nobel prize winning invention of frequency combs, laboratory-scale frequency combs have revolutionized fields ranging from length measurement, time, and frequency measurement through to molecular spectroscopy. 

Chip-based comb lasers have been pioneered at UniSA and are a hybrid cavity design which provides unparalleled low-noise laser comb operation suitable for next generation timing, sensing, and microwave applications. Anticipated developments may include: demonstrating it as a powerful new sensing technology further developing its ability to precisely measure time, frequency, and space; or extending the comb output into the visible and deep infrared spectral regions to address new applications.

What you’ll do 

The PhD vision is to develop and demonstrate new classes of robust chip-laser comb photonic modules that can be fibre interfaced to timing, spectroscopic, quantum, and sensing instruments. These comb modules will cover both single and dual frequency-comb laser architectures. Dual frequency-combs have the unique advantage where one comb provides a mechanism to conveniently read the spectral and temporal characteristics of the other comb through temporal interferograms.

These projects will investigate radically extending the spectral bands and spectral coverage of chip-laser combs, extend further into new RF domains, and apply these comb instruments to a range of real-world sensing problems. Extending the spectral band will be via non-linear frequency conversion and combs could also be generated directly in the visible and mid-infrared by use of alternate rare-earth doped hosts. Other directions include signal processing where our preliminary work demonstrated a numerical algorithm to effectively extract the spectroscopic information without the need for complex stabilisation techniques; numerical simulations to optimize the comb cavities; and alternate mode-locking approaches. These chip comb architectures offer tantalizing pathways to deliver integrated chip-scale dual-comb lasers that can revolutionize measurement technology.

The PhD project could go in one of these directions:

• The Laser Physics and Photonics Devices group specialises in manufacturing and research of novel waveguide chip gain modules that we have applied to developing high performance combs operating near 1.5 um (telecommunications band). Future directions could be to higher performance combs (based on new higher performance waveguides we have developed), or development of visible emitting frequency combs for Astronomy applications (for more details on this exciting direction check out Astrocombs).
• Application development of frequency combs in either the metrology space (eg. time transfer) or application to real-time spectroscopy (eg. remote sensing of methane).
• R&D and realisation of novel dual-frequency comb lasers
• Application and development of dual-frequency comb applications (for say remote distance metrology)
• Development of photonic integrated combs based on direct write waveguides which could also include integration with highly non-linear crystal waveguides to enhance functionality.

Where you’ll be based 

You’ll be based at UniSA STEM, however through the COMBS Centre of Excellence (COE) you will also have access to co-supervisors at University of Adelaide bringing additional skills including comb technology, timing, and optical material expertise, and spectroscopy. In addition, students will be members of the newly commenced 7-year $35M COMBS COE, and supported to collaborate across the 8 Australian Universities, attend the yearly COMBS research workshop, as well as opportunities for ‘hands-on’ internships with the ~20 international industry partners.

The Laser Physics and Photonics Devices Labs (LPPDL) at UniSA is well equipped for these projects in our 330 square metres of semi-clean room optical laboratories. The LPPDL research group comprises 3 academics, 5 postdocs, and 8 students. This is one of the best equipped laser research laboratories in Australia and includes substantial capital equipment including 12 large specialist optical tables; Ultra-fast Laser 3D CNC inscription; fibre processing equipment (Vytran and Fujikura splicers/ cleavers/ recoaters); extensive opto-mechanics; digital microscopes; excitation light sources including supercontinuum lasers + pump diodes + drivers; Optical and RF spectrum analysers; GHz Oscilloscopes; Multiple Spiricon beam cameras (covering visible through to the mid-infrared); Dicing/ polishing equipment; Spectrophotometer; Monochromators; High resolution CW wavemeter. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,612 per annum is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $46,653 per annum (2023 rates). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to application from both domestic and international applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally applicants must meet the projects selection criteria: 

• Bachelor in Physics Hons 1 or Hons 2A, or experimental Masters in Science (Physics), or Engineering degree with high level physics or mathematics included
• Demonstrated ‘hands-on’ ability in experimental physics or equivalent practical skills (ideally laboratory experience in optics, lasers, or photonics)
• Describe how your skills and expertise could contribute to advancing the science or engineering of frequency combs, or advancing applications that could benefit from frequency combs

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer.  Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Tuesday, 10th June 2025.