Infrared Science & Technology

The Infrared Science And Technology Group, led by Professor Harvey Rutt, was formed in January 1992. The group's interests are mainly in the generation and manipulation of mid and far infrared radiation, and its applications. We also have interests in specialist materials concerned with infrared lasers and optics.

• Ultrafast, picosecond measurements of MQW dynamics using the FELIX free electron laser
• Unusual low phonon energy host materials for novel mid infrared lasers in the 3 - 5 micron region.
• A collaboration with Jefferson Labs , Newport News USA to measure the loss of GLS glasses and conduct picosecond ablation experiments on ZnSe using the JLabs FEL
• Precision measurement of carbon isotope ratios in expired breath for use as a medical diagnostic instrument.
• Deposition of thin films of Gallium Lanthanum Sulphide (GLS) glass by pulsed laser ablation. These films have potential applications in active waveguide devices, and show permanent photorefractive effects.
• General Infrared Instrumentation - novel polarizers for example. New work just starting on semiconductor diagnostics - of SiGe layers in the first case.
• Novel infrared images modulators for the 10-14 micron thermal image band which are all solid state and avoid mechanical choppers are under development
• Group Facilities
• New Grants
• Plans for the Future
• Infrared Physics and Technology

1. Epitaxial growth of laser materials by laser ablation.
   A current student has been very successful at growing zinc sulphide on sapphire by pulsed laser ablation techniques. There is enormous potential to continue with and expand this work in new materials systems including Zinc Selenide and telluride, with layered structures to produce optical waveguides on GaAs for example. Involves use of X ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy etc.
2. Solid State Infrared Modulators.
   A PhD has just been completed on a solid state modulator for the mid infrared. This device was optically powered, and the work will continue on electrical operation of the device. Semiconductor physics and technology in a novel context.
3. Investigations of nano-fabrication with a helium ion beam
   The University of Southampton will shortly take delivery of the first focussed helium ion beam facility to be installed in Europe.  This achieves sub nanometer resolution in imaging applications.  The project will explore the application of this machine for nano-fabrication of optoelectronic and electronic structures and undertake comparisons to other state of the art techniques such as e-beam direct write.  The project will utilise a wide range of cutting edge imaging tools including amongst them multiple scanning probe microscopy techniques and FEGSEM imaging.

The projects are mainly of a mixed experimental and theoretical nature

The group regularly has openings at both the postgraduate student level, to study for a PhD, and also at the post-doctoral, 'RA' (Research Assistant) level. Even if we do not have a specific opening listed here at the moment, if you think our areas of work are of particular interest please contact Prof Rutt and we will see if anything can be done.