Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

This project proposes novel low-cost miniature devices for spectral, spatial and temporal manipulation of terahertz waves realised using a unified platform based on a single material and fabrication technology sufficiently generic to span the entire very broad terahertz band. It inherently overcomes the most hindering issue of current terahertz instruments relating to the limited span of the spectrum each tool can cover and the high costs associated with increasing this span; removing the need for making spectral band compromises in the design of future tools. The intended outcome is a platform for terahertz spectroscopic imaging, target recognition, detection of chemical composition of objects, and future high-bandwidth communications.

We have multiple PhD scholarships available, providing an excellent environment for growth and professional development. As a part of our team, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and expertise, incl. the Western Australian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility; enabling you to make significant contributions in science and engineering. 

Australian Research Council Discovery Project

Mariusz Martyniuk (mariusz.martyniuk@uwa.edu.au)

https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/mariusz-martyniuk

Preferred background in Physics, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for a RTP scholarship in the appropriate scholarship round which are open thus:
Domestic applicants - 1 Sep to 31 Oct
International applicants - 1 July to 31 Aug

Once suitable candidates are identified the opportunity may end before the closing date.

THz radiation has the potential to provide significant capabilities in many diverse areas which remain unrealised due to the lack of sensitive, inexpensive and efficient terahertz devices. The key advantage of THz radiation is its ability to penetrate through non-metallic materials and its interaction with molecules. Absorption of compound specific THz frequencies by matter leads to the formation of unique absorption spectra or individual signatures by which many natural and man-made materials can be unambiguously identified. It is possible to distinguish for example illegal drugs and explosives from benign compounds. A long-standing promise is the realisation of new non-invasive tools in many widespread areas including biology, pharmacology, medical science, non-destructive evaluation, environmental monitoring, security, and astronomy. With particular relevance to everyday life in Australia, skin cancer detection using THz waves has already become a reality, but has yet to find wide spread use.