Postgraduate Study – CUDOS/Anglo Australian Observatory collaborative projects

25-Oct-06

CUDOS, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems and the Anglo Australian Observatory have commenced a collaborative program in mid infrared (MIR) astrophotonics. MIR astronomical instruments are very expensive compared to instruments at other wavebands, and there is a real opportunity to greatly advance MIR astronomy by developing radically new instrumentation. In this program, CUDOS expertise in photonic integration will be applied to the development of novel, compact MIR spectrographs suitable for mass replication and incorporation into large telescopes. There are exciting postgraduate opportunities for astronomy students interested in instrumentation leading to a Masters or PhD within this collaboration. Students will join the CUDOS team at the University of Sydney and work under the co-supervision of senior astronomers at the AAO.

To join, you should have, or expect to achieve, a first class honours pass in Physics, Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering (or similar fields). You will hold a scholarship such as an Australian or University Postgraduate Award (scholarship support may also be available on a competitive basis from the School of Physics to students eligible for an APA/UPA award with a first class honours degree). CUDOS will provide a top up to this stipend of around $5,500 per year.

Other student benefits during the degree include travel support for the collaborative project as well as to local conferences and at least one overseas conference for PhD students.

Please contact Professor Ben Eggleton (egg@physics.usyd.edu.au, (02) 9351 3604) for further information or to discuss application procedures.