PhD Studentship: Robust Beam-shaping and Fibre-coupling System for High Power Diode Laser Stacks

The University of Manchester - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Qualification Type: PhD | Location: Manchester | Funding for: UK Students | Funding amount: £21,805 annual tax-free stipend and tuition fees will be paid | Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 19th June 2026 | Closes: 31st July 2026

Application deadline: 31/07/2026

Research theme: Laser Physics

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply (more details can be found here). The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid.

The start can be September 2026, January 2027, April 2027 or July 2027.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

High-power diode laser stacks are widely used in applications ranging from industrial materials processing to pumping of solid-state lasers and emerging photonic systems. However, their inherently poor beam quality and complex spatial emission profiles present a significant challenge for productive beam shaping and fibre coupling.





This PhD project aims to develop a robust and scalable optical system for transforming the output of high-power diode laser stacks into a beam suitable for efficient coupling into optical fibres. The work will focus on innovative beam-shaping strategies that maximise brightness while maintaining stability and alignment tolerance under high thermal loads.

The project combines experimental optics, optical design, and modelling, offering opportunities to work with high-power laser systems and advanced photonic components. The outcomes will have direct relevance to industrial laser systems, fibre-delivered power applications, and next-generation photonics technologies.

This project also benefits from close engagement with an industrial partner, providing additional perspective on real-world applications and helping distinguish the work in terms of impact and relevance.

Research Objectives

Design and optimise optical architectures for beam shaping of diode laser stacks

Develop robust fibre-coupling strategies for high-power, multimode sources

Model beam propagation and transformation using numerical techniques

Experimentally validate system performance and efficiency

Investigate thermal and mechanical stability of optical configurations

Evaluate system scalability for industrial deployment

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

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📌 PhD Studentship: Robust Beam-shaping and Fibre-coupling System for High Power Diode Laser Stacks (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Emerging Scholars Council
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality