Developing ultra-narrow linewidth semiconductor lasers for quantum technology systems being developed under the UK National Quantum Technology Hub for Sensing and Timing

I am currently researching the use of novel semiconductor material systems to produce the first vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs) which operate through fundamental emission in the "green gap". My work covers the fields of semiconductor and strain engineering, microfabrication and laser design.

This summer I was offered one of twenty positions at the international summer student programme on x-ray and neutron science, jointly held by the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The summer school was comprised of a lecture series on x-ray and neutron science and an experimental project, for which I was based at the Institut Laue Langevin, the most intense continuous neutron source in the world. This gave me a fascinating insight into world leading x-ray and neutron science thanks to lectures in:X-ray interaction with matterNeutron interaction with matterThe principles and production of synchrotron radiationNeutron instrumentationX-ray imagingX-ray instrumentationMagnetism and x-ray dichroismNeutron spectroscopySoft matter studies with x-rays and neutronsInelastic neutron scatteringNuclear and particle physics with neutronsX-ray diffractionX-ray studies of materials under extreme conditionsFundamentals of x-ray absorption fine structureSynchrotron radiation and structural biologyMy experimental project was within the nuclear and particle physics group of the ILL. I was based on the PF2 beamline, the very cold and ultracold neutron source of the ILL. I was given a LabVIEW VI, that uses a PID control system to control the temperature of samples within a cryostat in ultracold neutron scattering experiments, and given the task of improving the efficiency and capabilities of the program. Samples of interest are often hydrogen and deuterium gas, liquid and solid and so I added in the ability of the VI to measure vacuum pressure at different components of the experimental set up so the state of the sample can be accurately assessed over the duration of the scattering experiments. I have improved the structure of the VI to enhance efficiency, allow flexibility in equipment choice and to have increased resistance to crashing. I assisted my supervisor in the setup and maintenance of the experiments.

Over the course of this academic year I have assisted in the development of a series of mathematical learning resources for use by multiple university departments and students with a range of mathematical ability. As part of a team I organised the resources, which are interactive mathematical puzzles, into specific groups to allow their effective use within MASH drop in sessions and lessons. I planned three separate hour long study skills session for first year physics students based on important mathematical solution finding strategies, such as Polya's method. I assisted in the running of one of these sessions, which was taken by approximately forty students, and student feedback suggested that they benefitted from the class.

During an eight week research project I developed upon an initial prototype for an automated spectroscopic microscope, capable of micron sized stage adjustments and both white light and 532 nm laser spectroscopy. During the initial stages of the project I self-taught LabView and developed a computer program to control all of the autonomous features of the microscope, such as stage control motors, lasers, CCD cameras as well as producing features for the user such as an on screen scale, automatic image gain adjustment, frame rate adjustment and false colour imaging capabilities. The microscope was used to show the photoluminescence of Ruby and was successfully used to locate microscopic width flakes of Molybdenum Disulfide. Molybdenum Disulfide is a semiconducting material which tends from indirect to direct bandgap as the material approaches monolayer. A goal of the project was to prove this transition to direct band gap by showing photoluminescence in thin layer Molybdenum Disulfide. This was not shown as flakes of one to four atoms in thickness could not be located in the sample used.

As a member of a large team I replenished shelves, operated the tills, managed stock, solved customer problems and handled deliveries. A positive can do work attitude was essential to meet customer requirements.Waitrose prides itself on customer service and its polite and helpful staff. I won customer service provider of the month.