Investigation of Rare Earth Fluorescence based Gas Detection Instrumentation
Rare-earth-doped luminescent materials with sharp & narrow emissions, large Stokes shifts and long excited-state decay times have been excellent optical materials for photonic devices, finding applications in sensing. This research will focus on development of a trace gas detection system based on the rare-earth doped nanomaterials.
Research Opportunities
Summary
This project is in collaboration with ESPRC and several universities and aims to develop advanced, sensitive technologies for detecting trace species of gas. Currently, trace gas sensing is carried out using bulky, expensive systems which restricts their use case beyond labs and other significant projects etc.
Common sensitive gas detection technologies are cost prohibitive and of a significant size which restricts the use case, there is a growing need to develop inexpensive and small systems to precisely quantify the concentration of a given gas in applications such as air pollution and chemical weapons detection, greenhouse gas emission, etc.
The objective of the study is to investigate how rare earth-based fluorescence technologies can be applied to create novel sensing systems for trace gases on the molecular level for such applications covered. Rare earths, such as Lanthanides in the F-block of the periodic table have been long studied for their optical properties particularly for their compelling fluorescent properties, these elements need to be studied and critically appraised for consideration in the new system. These studies and experiments will lead to development of the entire bespoke sensing system from the sensing element onwards with a supporting ecosystem of technologies to render it viable in practical scenarios. The project therefore will require simulations and experiments to be developed to gather evidence.
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Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK/EU Students
- Full time - 拢5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢3,000 per academic year
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International Students
- Full time - 拢17,490 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢10,490 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢10,490 per academic year
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - 拢4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - 拢2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - 拢2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - 拢19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - 拢11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - 拢9,720 per academic year
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How to Apply
Applications
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Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
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- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
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English Language Requirements
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