Quantum Optics Group

Having completed my Degree in Applied Physics & Instrumentation in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), I decided to pursue a Masters through research in microspherical lasers with the Quantum Optics Group.  This is not my first encounter with the group – I was a UREKA student for the summer of 2004. My third year placement was with a plasma research group at the Eindhoven University of Technology in Holland.  There I developed a computer program for data acquisition and instrument control in an experiment on dusty plasmas with a PhD student.  This was an unforgettable experience and I met many wonderful people in the university. 

My fourth year project was entitled “Commissioning and Application of a CCD Camera Imaging System” and supervised by Mr. O’Doherty.  This involved developing a LabView driver for the camera as well as the image processing software. Several interesting experiments were performed… measurement of the M-squared value for a Helium-Neon laser, CCD characteristics, comparison of laser mode structure with a Fabry-Perot interferometer in scanning and stationary operation to name a few. Apart from academic interests, I enjoy hill walking with the CIT Mountaineering Club around Kerry and Ireland. I also read books on history and mainly non-fiction. Recent Achievements

2007
Recipient of the BOC Student Award in July 2007.

2005 
IRCSET (Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology) Scholarship for a research masters.
Degree in Applied Physics and Instrumentation with First Class Honours.

2004
UREKA (Undergraduate Research, Experience and Knowledge Award) student with the Quantum Optics Group in the summer ’04.
Ircon award for best third year student in the Department of Applied Physics and Instrumentation, CIT.
Technologist award from the ISA (Instrument Society of America – The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society) Ireland Section.
Diploma in Applied Physics and Instrumentation with Distinction.

	Danny particpated in UCC's Science For All Competition, 2007.  Picture courtesy of The Irish Examiner.

     Danny was awarded the BOC Student Prize in July 2007.