AI and machine learning in spectroscopic greenhouse gas detection PhD

Help us bring the AI revolution to the next generation of optical sensors. We aim to transform the measurement of greenhouse gases to reduce emissions across sectors such as energy, waste, landfill and energy. You will study for a PhD alongside a multidisciplinary project team, collaborating to develop and commercialise novel, low-cost sensors based on tunable diode laser spectroscopy. Sponsored by EPSRC, this project will develop new signal processing methods, based on AI and machine learning, that can boost sensor performance.

A dramatic rise in methane emissions is - by far - the biggest cause of departure from the idealised pathway to limit global warming to 2°C. This has led to the Global Methane Pledge, which requires rapid emissions reduction by methane emitters: agriculture, landfill, oil and gas, coalmining and wastewater treatment. Our team is working on low-cost technologies to enable a step change in the deployment of these sensors, needed to better understand how to reduce emissions.

You will work on advanced signal processing strategies for low-cost sensors based on high-resolution laser spectroscopy. You will develop a deep scientific understanding of the function of these sensors and their measurement uncertainties. Using this, you will develop a new methodology to create useful training data through a series of replicable experiments. You will develop and evaluate AI and machine learning-enabled models to enable us to get better performance from those sensors and complete experimental trials (potentially including field trials) of your work. Your project will operate at the exciting interface between theory, computation (including coding) and hands-on optical experiments.

Cranfield is a postgraduate-only institution with a focus on real-world benefits to society. Funded by EPSRC (the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), you will be based in the world-renowned Centre for Engineering Photonics and will also work with leading experts in AI from the Centre for Assured & Connected Autonomy. You will work alongside a team that is collaborating with academic and industrial partners on a major programme, Rethinking Methane Measurement, funded by ARIA (the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency).

If successful, your results will lead to low-cost sensors that can measure precise and accurate levels of methane and can be used by the wider team to quantify methane emissions. There is potential for solutions you develop to be adopted in newly commercialised sensors whose low cost leads to their widespread adoption in sectors that are currently hard to properly quantify. The techniques that you develop for methane measurements can also be applied to other gases of concern / interest in environmental monitoring, safety / security and healthcare.

Your project will involve a blend of state-of-the-art laser optics and advanced AI / machine learning, learning these specific skills through bespoke training programmes and on the job training, putting you in an enviable position for a career in the technologies of the future. You will have the opportunity (and funds) to attend a major international conference to present your work, and may be involved in trying out your ideas during field trials of new optical sensors.

Collaborating with wider academic and industrial partners will give you experience of interdisciplinary teamworking and expand your professional network. Our doctoral training programme maps onto the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to provide additional transferrable skills in research project and people management, responsible innovation, intellectual property, scientific communication and principles of Open Research.

Entry Requirements: A good degree (UK first or upper second class honours or equivalent) in physical science or engineering. You will need skills in maths, basic coding and practical work. A desire to learn and to try out new ideas is essential. Training will be provided in optical sensors, coding and responsible use of AI.

Funding: This studentship provides a bursary of up to £24,500 (tax free) plus fees for three years. The studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however only a limited number of studentships are available to students with Overseas fee status.