
I’m currently working on terahertz (THz) spectroscopy in my PhD. Terahertz is a wavelength range in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum in between microwave and infrared, and its interesting because it corresponds to the energies of free charge carriers. This allows us to probe the electrical properties of materials in a non-contact fashion. Some of the most efficient ways of generating and detecting such EM waves are via non-linear methods, using non-linear crystals.
The objective of my PhD project is to explore ways to improve the bandwidth of these terahertz detectors and emitters. This would allow us to explore more charge carrier energy levels (think of widening a keyhole to see more!). One method is via metasurfaces, which would enhance the non-linearity of the crystals. Another would be to explore new materials which have large non-linear responses.
My hometown is the country of Malaysia, and one of my many interest is in teaching and outreach. Outside of the lab, I spend way too much time playing Ultimate Frisbee.
PhD Supervisors: Prof. Hannah Joyce (Electrical Engineering), Prof. Chiara Chicarelli (Physics), Prof. Louise Hirst (Physics/Materials Science) & Dr. Michael Cass (CDT Ltd.)
Research topic: Enhancing non-linearity by nanostructuring for integrated terahertz photonics