Antiresonant hollow core optical fibre precision coils

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Professor Austin Taranta and Dr. Leonard Budd

A miles-long glass tube thinner than a human hair enshrouds delicate glass capillaries with sub-micron thickness; this is Antiresonant hollow-core optical fibre, the next generation of fibre technology already creating new fields in data, quantum, sensing and healthcare. This project explores deploying these novel fibres in compact coils for sensing.

Antiresonant hollow core fibres guide light in a fundamentally unique way, offering novel properties which are revolutionising photonics. At the heart of next generation ultra-precision sensors, is the ability to pack kilometres of these fibres into a device no larger than a teacup. However, unlocking ultra-high performance in these coils requires a new level of precision and insight. This project will explore ways to deploy these novel fibres, using interferometric and machine vision techniques to perform ultra-precision monitoring of fibre deployment.

Through this project you'll :

• design and build a bespoke fibre coiling system from the ground up
• develop and deploy novel optical interrogation techniques to monitor fibre performance in situ
• experimentally optimise coil and fibre geometry to enhance sensing capabilities

A key focus of the project involves construction of a one-of-a-kind system integrating devices and sensors spanning domains: mechanical, electrical, optical, and software. The project is thus particularly well-suited if you're someone with a strong multi-disciplinary skillset and good hands-on engineering skills. You'll join the world-leading Hollow Core Fibre group, with access to cutting-edge facilities and strong collaboration with industry partners. You'll receive detailed training on an array of optical sensing techniques which will support the system build, and you'll be given the resources and trust to put your ideas into practice. Through our deep industry links, the knowledge you create will find immediate use, pushing the boundaries of capability in today’s most advanced fibre-enabled gas sensors, gyroscopes, and more.

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)