Dr Stephen Church, Dr Mark Hughes
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Join us at the University of Salford to help shape the future of quantum technologies.
Quantum Technologies (QTs) underpin many of the innovations that define modern life. The first generation of QTs gave us lasers, transistors, and the foundations of modern electronics. Today, the field is undergoing a revolution, seeking to harness more complex quantum effects including superposition, entanglement and quantum correlations. These advances are catalysing breakthroughs across communications, computing, cryptography and sensing.
Photonic Quantum Technologies (PQTs) are especially promising. Photons transfer information at unprecedented speeds and maintain their quantum coherence at room temperature, removing the need for costly, cryogenic hardware. Unsurprisingly, the global PQT market is projected to exceed €2.3 billion by 2030, with demand for scalable quantum photonic components accelerating rapidly.
At the heart of PQTs are single-photon sources (SPSs); devices that can generate pure, indistinguishable photons on demand. However, current SPSs:
- often require cryogenic cooling,
- have performance that varies significantly between devices,
- cannot be characterised quickly enough to meet the rising demand.
Your PhD will tackle these challenges head‑on by developing innovative experimental methods to investigate point defects in III‑Nitride semiconductors. You will collaborate with expert partners and harness the well-established fabrication infrastructure built around III‑Nitride LEDs, giving you a powerful platform to translate fundamental discoveries into next‑generation devices.
By joining this project, you will:
- Be part of a vibrant and diverse research community in the School of Science Engineering and Environment at the University of Salford.
- Gain advanced expertise in quantum photonics, nanoscale characterisation, big-data experimentation and cleanroom-based microfabrication.
- Contribute to publications and scientific conferences in the Quantum Technologies field.
- Work closely with industry to drive real-world adoption of your work.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for highly motivated applicants with an interest in quantum technologies. The successful candidate should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related disciplines. Experience in one or more of the following fields is preferred:
- quantum optics,
- optical microscopy,
- laser-based optical spectroscopy,
- microfabrication,
- automated experimentation.
For more information about the School of Science, Engineering and Environment at the University of Salford visit: https://www.salford.ac.uk/school-of-science-engineering-and-environment/postgraduate-research-in-the-school-of-science-engineering-and-environment
Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement, and CV GUIDE when preparing an application: https://issuu.com/universityofsalford2/docs/see_research_proposal_personal_statement_cv_guid?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
How to apply: https://www.salford.ac.uk/school-of-science-engineering-and-environment/postgraduate-research
Funding Notes
To inquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website: https://www.salford.ac.uk/doctoral-school/phd-studentships