PhD in Physics- Nonlinear Optics and Photonics in Bethlehem United States | Lehigh University

Our research explores nonlinear light-matter interactions that facilitate light manipulation through light itself, including phenomena like four-wave mixing, phase conjugation, and wavelength conversion. We focus on creating materials for second- and third-order nonlinear optical applications, especially in organic molecular structures, while broadly investigating photonic and optoelectronic materials and effects. This encompasses studies of single crystals in glass, photonic crystals, specialty fibers (including holey fibers), waveguides, resonant Brillouin scattering, and ferroelectric domain patterning for quasi-phase matching. Additional work involves applying photonics to biological systems, near-field optics, and thermal radiation. The PhD curriculum features core courses, including advanced graduate-level physics classes that establish a strong foundational knowledge, specialized courses aligned with each student's research focus, and dissertation research. Candidates with prior graduate coursework may incorporate equivalent credits from other institutions into their candidacy proposal, which outlines both their academic preparation and dissertation research plan. Lehigh University's Physics Department provides degree programs in astronomy (B.A.), astrophysics (B.S.), and physics (B.A., B.S., M.S., Ph.D.), along with undergraduate summer research opportunities. Research specialties span astronomy/astrophysics, atomic/molecular/optical physics, biophysics, computational physics, condensed matter physics, general relativity/cosmology/string theory, high-energy/accelerator physics, nanoscience, nonlinear optics/photonics, plasma physics, soft condensed matter/complex fluids, and statistical physics.