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

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Prof. Senthil Murugan Ganapathy and Dr. Milos Nedeljkovic

This project advances amorphous nonlinear photonics by inducing second order optical nonlinearity in amorphous thin films for broadband, on-chip modulators and quantum devices. Combining design, simulation, thermal poling, microfabrication, and characterization, it develops scalable photonic platforms for communication, sensing, and quantum technologies such as on-chip photon pair generation.

Amorphous materials offer significant advantages for integrated photonics, including low-cost thin-film deposition, ease of patterning and etching, and compatibility with large-area or heterogeneous substrates. However, their use in electro-optic (EO) systems has been limited due to the absence of second-order optical nonlinearity (χ²), essential for EO modulation and wavelength conversion. We recently demonstrated stable induction of χ² nonlinearity in Nb₂O₅ amorphous thin films via thermal poling, achieving performance comparable to crystalline materials like LiNbO₃ while remaining compatible with standard waveguide fabrication processes, including lithography, etching, cladding, and metallisation. This advancement establishes a foundation for amorphous nonlinear photonics.

This project aims to develop a scalable amorphous nonlinear photonic platform to realize broadband, high-performance on-chip modulators and spectrometers spanning visible, near-infrared (NIR), and mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths. By integrating EO functionality into platforms that currently lack it, and combining with heterogeneous integration (e.g., Silicon Photonics), these materials can enhance optical communication, LIDAR, RF-over-fibre links, environmental sensing, and biomedical spectroscopy.

The project will include design and simulations of integrated optical devices, thermal poling, microfabrication in our cleanrooms, and characterization, test, and measurement for device operation. Beyond conventional applications, it will explore integrated quantum photonics through on-chip photon pair sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion for quantum key distribution and random number generation. By uniting material innovation with application-driven design, this research aims to enable multifunctional photonic chips with wide spectral coverage, scalable fabrication, and robust nonlinear performance for future optical and quantum technologies.

Entry requirements

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

Fees and funding

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate plus 10% ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling £22,858 for 2025/26, rising annually) and a budget of £4200 for things like conference travel.

UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

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

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, 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)