Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

The relative inefficiency of existing top-performing infrared detectors at room temperature is a major roadblock to miniaturisation and precludes their use in drones and space applications where weight is critical. New approaches to infrared detection using the integration of subwavelength elements into mercury cadmium telluride detectors will enable the miniaturisation and lowering of cost of portable electronic devices for applications such as astronomy, security & surveillance, agriculture, night vision, remote sensing and medical imaging.

We aim to increase the resolution/sensitivity of infrared imaging devices, along with reducing the size, weight and power (SWaP) by combining imaging arrays with meta-materials, micro-lenses, and engineering the material properties. We are exploring novel materials and smart engineering of the detectors to create novel devices.

We have also developed tiny infrared resonators for remote thermal sensing and imaging utilising metamaterials. These are fixed or electrically tunable structures which will only pass a specific wavelength of light just before entering the photodetector or imaging array. The aim is to achieve mercury-cadmium-telluride imaging arrays with lower cross-talk, improved modulation transfer function (MTF), and higher operating temperature (HOT).

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. 

Suitably qualified applicants must meet the admissions requirements outlined in UWA's Handbook (link).

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.

Interested applicants must send a recent resume and academic transcripts via email to Prof Lorenzo Faraone in the first instance.

Lorenzo Faraone: email: lorenzo.faraone@uwa.edu.au / phone: +61 8 6488 3104

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.