Amorphous nonlinear photonics for scalable next-generation optical and quantum devices

Amorphous materials offer significant advantages for integrated photonics, including low-cost thin-film deposition, ease of patterning and etching, and compatibility with large-area and heterogeneous substrates. However, their use in electro-optic (EO) systems has been limited by the absence of second-order optical nonlinearity (χ²), which is essential for EO modulation and wavelength conversion.

We recently demonstrated stable induction of χ² nonlinearity in Nb2O5 amorphous thin films through thermal poling, achieving performance comparable to crystalline materials such as LiNbO₃ while remaining compatible with standard waveguide fabrication processes, including lithography, etching, cladding and metallisation. This provides a foundation for developing scalable amorphous nonlinear photonics.

This project aims to develop a scalable amorphous nonlinear photonic platform for broadband, high-performance on-chip modulators and spectrometers spanning visible, near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths. By introducing EO functionality into platforms that currently lack it, and combining them with heterogeneous integration, such as Silicon Photonics, the technology could advance optical communications, LIDAR, RF-over-fibre links, environmental sensing and biomedical spectroscopy.

The project will involve optical device design and simulation, thermal poling, microfabrication in our cleanrooms, and device characterisation and testing. It will also explore integrated quantum photonics through on-chip photon-pair sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, with applications in quantum key distribution and random number generation.

By combining material innovation with application-driven photonic design, this research aims to enable multifunctional photonic chips with broad spectral coverage, scalable fabrication and robust nonlinear performance for next-generation optical and quantum technologies.

The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.

Project leader

For an initial conversation, smg@orc.soton.ac.uk.