Catalogue of Possibilities / Supervisors

Prof Robert Hadfield he/him

Quantum Sensors: developing next generation superconducting single-photon detectors, engineering compact cryogenics, exploring advanced photon counting applications

Professor of Photonics

James Watt School of Engineering

Research interests:

Photon counting, Cryogenics, Superconducting detector, Quantum technology

Research fields:

Electrical and electronic engineering, Photonics, Cryogenic engineering, Experimental physics, Materials sciences, Physical chemistry

Mission Priority Areas

Why do you want to join the DiveIn community?

The DiveIn CDT has an inspiring vision to bring together and support the next generation of research leaders across all backgrounds. I would be proud to join the DiveIn CDT as a PhD supervisor and contribute to building a thriving multidisciplinary DiveIn CDT community. I firmly believe diverse teams are more effective at tackling the most challenging 21st century research problems. My own research interests resonate with the research themes of the DiveIn CDT. I am an experienced supervisor and mentor and I have a track record of developing the skills of my students, building on their individual strengths and talents and giving them confidence and support to succeed in their research projects and future careers.

Personal profile:

I am engineer and experimental scientist with a passion for developing innovative quantum technology to address scientific and societal challenges. Over the past 20 years I have been at forefront of developing a new class of superconducting single-photon detectors and introducing this powerful technology in a host of new application areas, from quantum secure communications to laser medicine. I am proud to lead a diverse and multinational team of scientists and engineers, the Quantum Sensors Group. We use the superb facilities of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre and Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.

I am committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and I firmly believe that diverse teams are most effective in tackling the most challenging research problems. Our Quantum Sensors Group has wide-ranging collaborations with leading laboratories worldwide and UK industrial partners. We frequently host international scientific meetings, bilateral research exchange visits and participate in public engagement. My former group members have secured rewarding positions in academic research, with leading companies and in founding their own start-ups.

I am happy to discuss potential PhD project topics with interested candidates for the DiveIn CDT. I am keen to tailor the PhD research to your individual skills and interests. Ideas for 2026 include:
– Innovative Chip-based cooling for AI data centres and quantum networks
– Photon counting dose monitoring for laser cancer treatment
– Mid infrared sensing of greenhouse gases
– Next generation superconducting single-photon detectors

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/roberthadfield/ https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/quantum-nanotechnology/quantumsensors/

https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/jwnc/aboutjwnc/

https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/arc/