About the Project
Supervisory team: Dr Gregory Jasion and Dr Ali Shakiba
About the project
Hollow-core fibres (HCFs) guide light through air. Considered the next generation of optical fibre, they are attracting strong industrial interest. Their potential depends on fabricating intricate glass structures with exceptional precision. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), this project will investigate how glass flow shapes the fibre microstructure, test creative ideas, and develop innovative designs.
Hollow Core Fibres are a new generation of optical fibre that guide light in air, with very little material overlap. Optical fibre underpins the internet, this new fibre brings many improvements such as ultra-low latency and increased data rates. As a result of recent progress here at the University of Southampton, we are seeing a surge in industrial interest, but there are many challenges that remain. Beyond the telecoms application lie many industrial and scientific applications and the fibres might look very different. In this project we will look at much larger structures that guide more spatial modes of light. The project will explore how the light propagates, how the fibre can work with different lasers and how new designs can open up applications.
This project would particularly suit you if you're an inquisitive person who enjoys understanding how things work, developing ideas and finding creative ways through technical problems. You should be willing to work independently while also contributing to a supportive team, sharing ideas openly and learning from colleagues with different expertise. You'll join a collaborative research environment bringing together expertise in fibre design, fabrication, optical characterisation and numerical modelling.
We maintain many collaborations with industrial partners in both the fibre production and application spaces. The project will provide opportunities to build skills in both a laboratory setting as well theoretical and numerical modelling. Regular interaction with the wider team will help you connect detailed modelling to real fabrication challenges and wider research goals.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- engineering
- physics
- applied mathematics
- materials science
- a related discipline
Desiderable skills:
- experience in fluid mechanics, numerical modelling, or optical fibres
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
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, g.jasion@soton.ac.uk.
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.
