ACAD107791

We are part of the Photonics and Quantum Research group in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. The group contains around 70 academics, researchers and PhD students that are pursuing world leading research in topics such as integrated quantum photonics, low cost sensors to revolutionise healthcare and new methods of harvesting renewable energy. You will work closely with the group of Professor Neil Fox who has been developing a new type of thermionic emitter which is one potential application for the metasurface absorbers that form the heart of this project.

The project will focus on the development of hyperuniform disordered metasurfaces, a novel class of photonic structures in which structural correlations are accurately controlled. Discovered in 2009, these new materials have already attracted considerable attention as they combine the robust properties of periodic systems with the flexibility of disordered ones. We will explore the properties of hyperuniform media with the aim of achieving ultimate control over the absorption of solar radiation and emission of thermal radiation, with the goal to create highly efficient frequency-selective solar-thermal absorbing materials.

Are you ready to be part of a groundbreaking project that will transform the design of solar absorbers for use in both solar thermal and solar thermionic energy converters? If you are an enthusiastic self-starter who has (or will soon obtain) a PhD and are at home in a nanofabrication cleanroom, you should apply today., You are excited to lead the fabrication and characterisation of these new devices - you will work with colleagues in our Bristol Cleanroom as well as in collaboration with the University of Surrey that leads the overall project. Ideally you should have hands on experience in nano/microfabrication cleanroom work for this role - you will also either have or be given the opportunity to develop skills in metasurface design, electromagnetic simulation and optical characterisation. You will be writing papers and presenting at conferences, as well engaging directly with industrial partners and other collaborators.