Awards
Postgraduate Prize Winners at the SAIP Conference July 2021
PhD Oral:
Characterizing laser beams through turbulence using vector beams and a simple quantum trick.
PhD student, Structured Light Lab, School of Physics
PhD topic: Engineering robust quantum photonic states for quantum information and communication
Supervisor: Prof Andrew Forbes
My research focuses on harnessing structured light fields in classical (coherent laser beams), single photon and two photon (entangled) states for information transfer and communication through noisy channels. We establish novel methods for creating, transporting and detecting light fields through decaying media by controlling the transverse spatial and (or) polarization degrees freedom of light both locally (within the same photon) and non-locally (between spatially separated photon).
PhD Poster:
Effects of partial soiling on Thermal Infrared imaging of crystalline PV modules
PhD student, Photovoltaics Research Group
PhD topic: Dynamic characterization of operational crystalline Photovoltaic modules
Supervisor: Prof EE Van Dyk
My research in solar energy mainly focuses on Thermal Infrared Imaging as a metric for inspection of Photovoltaic modules.
My research focuses on harnessing structured light fields in classical (coherent laser beams), single photon and two photon (entangled) states for information transfer and communication through noisy channels. We establish novel methods for creating, transporting and detecting light fields through decaying media by controlling the transverse spatial and (or) polarization degrees freedom of light both locally (within the same photon) and non-locally (between spatially separated photon).
MSc Oral Joint Winner:
Birefringence from digital phase-shifting measurements
MSc student, Structured Light Laboratory, School of Physics
MSc topic: All-digital wavefront sensing using digital micro-mirror devices
Supervisor: Dr Angela Dudley, Prof Andrew Forbes
My research focuses on the use of digital micro-mirror technology (commonly used in digital projectors) as tools for both fundamental and applied optics research. Treasurer of the Wits SPIE & OSA student chapter.
MSc Oral Joint Winner:
The Physics of Vacuum Arc Propulsion Systems
MSc student, School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand
MSc Topic: Vacuum Arc Propulsion Systems for In Space Refuelling and Small Satellite Applications
Supervisor: Prof Phil Ferrer
I work on experimental propulsion systems that have potential to be refuelled from space resources such as asteroids.
MSc Poster:
Properties of nanostructured hematite prepared by various coating techniques for PEC water splitting
MSc student, Clean and Green Energy Research Group
MSc topic: Optimization of processing parameters in the preparation of hematite thin films for PEC device
Supervisor: Prof Mmantsae Diale
My research focuses on the influence that various processing parameters have on hematite thin films, for applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting.