Development of large-area infrared metaoptics technologies

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Prof Otto Muskens and Dr Kai Sun

The project will explore the design and fabrication of metasurface-based optical components using advanced full-wafer fabrication tools available in the University of Southampton cleanrooms and use advanced nanophotonics laboratories for testing.

The aim is to push the boundaries of metaoptics technology and enable new functions going beyond conventional refractive optics.

Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in imaging and data processing, is a rapidly growing field with applications in 3D imaging, VR/AR, holography. Our team has been at the forefront of the field of metaoptics demonstrating real-world performance in infrared imaging.

The scope of this PhD is to advance the fundamental physics and technology of metasurfaces to enable new functionalities beyond traditional optics. We are working with a variety of partners and the project offers unique opportunities for developing industry links.

During this PhD project you will make use of cutting edge nanofabrication facilities at the University of Southampton, enabling fabrication of ultra-precise nanostructures over full (200 mm) wafer scale. You will engage with advanced research laboratories and will develop a range of optical experimental techniques to study in depth the properties of novel metaoptics devices. Results will be presented at international conferences and published in leading journals.

Applications are invited for a postgraduate researcher to join this new activity taking place in the Quantum, Light and Matter group at the University of Southampton.

During the PhD research you will receive training and will develop strong expertise in fabrication of devices using one of the leading research cleanroom facilities in the UK. You will learn how to design metaoptics both using commercial and custom-built (e.g. deep learning) software.

Entry requirements

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

We are looking for highly motivated applicants with interest in the topic of metasurfaces and an affinity for experimental optics research, involving numerical design, nanofabrication using the University’s cleanroom facilities, and optical studies.

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), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Physics (7089)
• 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

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

Project leader

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Otto Muskens (O.Muskens@soton.ac.uk).