Graduate/Postgraduate Student Opportunities & Scholarships
The Macquarie University node of the Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS) has a major research program in fundamental and applied photonics developing next-generation devices for optical communications, astrophotonics and biophotonic systems.
We are currently seeking six talented and motivated PhD candidates to develop these and other research themes, with experimental and theoretical projects, as well as projects that combine both skills.
Our available projects include:
Fabricating and modelling high-index contrast photonic crystal opals to manipulate the spontaneous emission rates of individual atoms and quantum dots. Such systems are playgrounds for fundamental quantum science and are candidates for components in future quantum computers.
Our group is a world leader in the field of femto-second laser directly-written waveguide devices. This research team is seeking two students to design and create novel monolithic waveguide laser devices and passive optical circuitry for communication, information and sensing applications.
Developing the theory of magneto-optical photonic microstructures. These systems exploit time-reversal symmetry breaking to create unique optical devices and effects like ultra-small optical diodes (or one-way valves for light).
Details about these and other projects (including nano-technology and plasmonics) are below.
Generous scholarships and cotutelle arrangements are available for eligible candidates.
New students will join a young, energetic group of 20 researchers led by Associate Professors Mick Withford, Judith Dawes and Mike Steel, and Drs Alex Fuerbach and Graham Marshall. Our facilities include start-of-the-art labs incorporating 3 high-power femtosecond laser systems, nanometric positioning systems, advanced micro-optical characterisation facilities, and access to the leading supercomputer sites in Australia. Students will be active members of CUDOS, a partnership of six universities that is the premier photonics research group in Australia and provides substantial opportunities for research collaboration, networking and future employment. Macquarie University is located on a large green campus in the northern suburbs of Sydney, one of the world's most beautiful and exciting cities.
Working and playing with CUDOS at Macquarie
Our group receives regular feedback on our outstanding team dynamic. We think the secret is that we all like one another...
Or it could be all the extra activities we get up to...
 |
 |
 |
| post-workshop scuba | early morning ocean swims | industry accolades |
 |
 |
 |
| annual south coast workshop | life on campus | just hanging around |
 |
 |
 |
| industry expos | up in the lab | integrated photonic devices |
Current project opportunities
Radiation dynamics in (inverse) opals with high refractive index (closing date 31 July 2008)
Theory of non-reciprocal magneto-optical photonic microstructures (closing date 31 July 2008)
Theory of amplified surface plasmon polaritons (closing date 13 August 2008)
Near field microscopy of plasmonic devices (closing date 15 August 2008)
Advanced device design for femtosecond-laser written optical waveguides (closing date 21 July 2008)
About studying at Macquarie University (and living in Sydney, Australia)
Entry criteria for Macquarie University higher degree research studies.
Scholarships available at Macquarie University.
Interested?
Contact us to find out more. Include a copy of your CV with information on any other scholarships/prizes/awards or publications you may have.