Research for the next generation of fiber lasers

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to IRS TransTech's graduate school at Mid Sweden University?

I am originally from Härnösand. After high school, I did thorough military training as an aircraft mechanic at F21 in Luleå. Later, I studied for a Master of Science in Engineering Physics at Mid Sweden University and graduated in 2024. While I was studying, I discovered laser technology and did several projects in that area together with my current supervisor Magnus Engholm, who is a researcher at the FSCN Research Center.

One day during my studies, I was asked what I was interested in doing a PhD, and that conversation led me to start thinking along those lines. I like to learn things and challenge myself, so when I was thinking about it, I quickly came to a decision to apply for this position.

How would you describe your PhD project?

My project is about improving laser technology that uses visible wavelengths. Being able to build a laser out of optical fiber makes it very stable, durable and easy to use, but at the moment there are limitations in the material that cause the performance to deteriorate significantly. It's a very delicate balance that separates a good laser material from a bad one, just a couple of atoms can make a big difference, so it's important to understand the material on a very basic level.

The project is therefore about understanding the material, and providing suggestions for new compositions and processes to improve the visible fiber laser technology of the future.

How is your research linked to the development of the sustainable technology, materials or processes of the future?

Industrial and scientific processes can use very specific wavelengths of light, and therefore a wide variety is always needed to be able to choose from. For example, high-quality visible laser is used in laser eye surgery, for example, because yellow light interacts strongly with the protein haemoglobin, and there are many similar examples. If we increase the performance and improve the quality of our tools, we also open up new areas of use.

Which international research environments or partners will you collaborate with within the graduate school?

I will collaborate with Clemson University in the US, Mid Sweden University, and Cobolt lasers, which is a Swedish laser company.

What do you hope it will give you as a researcher to participate in IRS TransTech?

I hope that I will have a wide network of contacts, support in my research, and the opportunity for professional development.