The goal is to develop analytical and computational methods for the simulation of scattering of terahertz (THz) beams by sample geometries. Use of THz spectroscopy and imaging is currently being explored for use in numerous applications, such as defect-detection in materials and medical imaging for cancer diagnosis, for which an accurate understanding of the scattering of THz beams by complex objects is essential. Because of the widths of the beams relative to the wavelengths involved, diffraction is a very significant aspect of propagation and poses an extra challenge that has to be accounted for in understanding scattering at THz frequencies.

Emphasis will be put upon developing an efficient approximate mathematical description of the THz beam, via 1) a mathematical analysis of the interaction of the beam with simple canonical shapes, and 2) a comparison of mathematical results with corresponding experimental data. The primary output from the project will be a novel, accurate and computationally efficient description of the scattering of a THz beam, which will prove invaluable for future applications of THz imaging and spectroscopy.

Start date: October 2007, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Student stipend: £12,600 in 2007-8, plus home/EU tuition fees for three years.

Applicants should possess a first degree in Mathematics (or related subject) at grade 2:1 (or equivalent). Closing date for applications: Friday 20th July, 2007.

Application forms may be obtained from http://www.reading.ac.uk/study/apply/pg-applicationform.asp Please contact Nick Biggs (n.r.t.biggs@reading.ac.uk), John Bowen (j.bowen@reading.ac.uk) or Stephen Langdon (s.langdon@reading.ac.uk) for further details.