Dr William MacPherson

William MacPherson is a Lecturer in Physics and a member of the Applied Optics and Photonics research group in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.

His research interests focus around the application of optical and fibre-optic techniques for measurement and instrumentation applied to real-world problems where existing sensors are unsuitable. This work has included design and fabrication of fibre tip sensors for high bandwidth temperature and pressure measurement for aerodynamic and air blast applications.  Novel multicore fibres have been exploited for structural monitoring, vibration and acceleration measurement, and studies into microstructured fibres offers potential gas sensing applications. Currently he is exploring the potential for microfabricating sensor elements directly onto the end of optical fibres using a combination of laser processing and focussed ion beam machining.  He is also involved with work exploring techniques to embed sensors into Additive manufactured components for asset lifetime monitoring.

W.N.MacPherson@hw.ac.uk

+44 (0)131 451 3733

Earl Mountbatten Building, Heriot-Watt Unviersity, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

Research Profile

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