This PhD project investigates the use of Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) array sensors combined with scintillating fibres to develop a distributed neutron sensing system for nuclear fusion reactors. The work sits at the intersection of quantum photonics and fusion energy research, in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
The goal is to create a sensor system capable of spatially resolving neutron distributions within complex reactor geometries, particularly for the LIBRTI blanket experiments, which aim to demonstrate controlled tritium breeding—a key step toward sustainable fusion fuel cycles. Embedding scintillating fibres within reactor blankets will allow neutron measurements in locations inaccessible to conventional diagnostics.
The project will be based at Heriot-Watt University, within the Quantum Optics and Computational Imaging and Photonic Instrumentation groups, and jointly supervised by UKAEA researchers. It will involve:
- Experimental development of SPAD-based neutron sensors
- Computational analysis and data inversion
- Field testing at the LIBRTI facility in Oxfordshire
Open to candidates from any STEM background, the project offers hands-on experience in quantum sensing, fusion diagnostics, and real-world deployment of advanced instrumentation.