In parallel with an engineering doctorate at Heriot-Watt University (Academic Supervisor, Daniel Esser), Stefania has been working for the CLF on developing advanced gain materials for the DiPOLE laser system (Industrial Supervisor, Klaus Ertel).
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 annually awards Industrial Fellowships worth up to £80,000 to twelve of the UK's most gifted young research scientists and engineers, and Stefania was selected as one of them.
'The gain material is at the very heart of our laser systems and crucial for their performance' Stefania explained. “And there is a lot of room for improvement".
Stefania's research aims to improve the repetition rate, output energy, and emission bandwidth of DiPOLE lasers, making them suitable for day-to-day application in the industry and the healthcare sectors.
The funding from the Commission is designed to enable her to make an impact on industry and wider society, by accelerating the development and commercialisation of new technologies. These Fellowships, set up by Prince Albert following the Great Exhibition of 1851, recognise the best research projects that could advance British industry, allowing companies to conduct innovative research that accelerates the creation of exploitable IP.
Stefania said: “Being awarded an Industrial Fellowship is a great honour. I am really happy that the Royal Commission has recognised the potential of my project. I am looking forward to making the most of the grant and of the networking opportunities that come with being part of the Royal Commission family".
Day to day, Stefania works on a variety of responsibilities ranging from hands-on experimental to theory.
“Working the CLF is always interesting as I often have the opportunity to try my own things," Stefania shared. “I enjoy working in the DiPOLE team very much."
Industrial supervisor Klaus Ertel said: “I am delighted that Stefania has been awarded this prestigious fellowship. It shows again what a talented and hard-working scientist she is".
Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851 - Faster, higher, stronger: high energy pulsed lasers for future applications
