Detection of ionising radiation using optical hollow-core fibres

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr. Hans Christian Hansen Mulvad, Dr. Ian A. Davidson, Prof. Austin Taranta and Prof. Tony Bird

This project will explore the use of lasers and optical hollow-core fibres to detect ionising radiation, aiming to realise distributed radiation sensing along a single fibre. A novel detection capability of this kind may find applications in areas ranging from nuclear threat reduction to particle accelerators and future fusion reactors.

The detection of ionising radiation is essential in diverse fields, including nuclear threat detection for defence and security, particle accelerators for fundamental physics research, and nuclear fusion reactors for future energy supply. Whereas existing sensing technologies rely on individual detectors that measure radiation at specific locations, a distributed fibre radiation sensor could offer a highly innovative approach, capable of detecting and mapping radiation along a single deployed fibre and potentially replacing many individual detectors.

This project will seek to realise distributed radiation sensing based on novel optical hollow-core fibres. These fibres are highly robust against radiation damage, enabling operation in extreme radiation environments such as future nuclear fusion reactors, where standard optical fibres would photo-darken. Moreover, the hollow core can be filled with a selected gas to serve as the radiation detection medium.

The project will investigate various methods that use laser light guided through the gas-filled hollow core to sense the effects of ionising radiation.

The work will be primarily experimental but will also involve numerical modelling. In the first year, you will benefit from a structured training programme and receive the necessary skills development to support your research.

The project will be carried out across several research groups, encompassing state-of-the-art laser laboratories and world-leading hollow-core fibre fabrication facilities, providing opportunities to collaborate with experienced researchers across multiple disciplines.

Entry requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in one of the following:

• physics
• materials science
• engineering

or another discipline relevant to the development, study, and/or application of nanostructured materials.

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a background in physics, electrical engineering, or optical engineering to take on this exciting and challenging research project.

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.

Chinese Scholarship Council (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

How to apply

Apply now

• programme type: research
• academic year: 2026/27
• if you will be full time or part time
• faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

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

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

If you have a general question, email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr. Hans Christian Hansen Mulvad (H.C.Mulvad@soton.ac.uk).