Harnessing Topological Light through Metasurfaces for Intelligent 3D Endoscopy

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Xu Fang and Dr Eric Plum

This PhD project will develop metasurface-enabled intelligent optical sensing for rapid, accurate identification of miniature features in endoscopy. Building on recent funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Leverhulme Trust, this PhD combines advanced nanofabrication, machine-learning-driven optical design, and close collaboration with University Hospital Southampton, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Metasurfaces are planar nanostructures that enable precise control of the amplitude, phase, and polarisation of light, redefining the frontiers of optical engineering. These capabilities underpin compact polarisation - and phase-sensitive optical detection systems and have demonstrated strong potential in biomedical imaging.

This PhD project aims to harness metasurface-based light manipulation to develop intelligent optical sensing technologies for next-generation endoscopy. The project builds on recent funding from the EPSRC and the Leverhulme Trust, providing access to world-class nanofabrication and characterisation facilities at the University of Southampton. You will investigate deep-learning-assisted metasurface design to achieve extreme topological manipulation of light, and realise these designs through wafer-scale fabrication in the University’s cleanroom facilities. Supervised by Dr Xu Fang (School of Electronics and Computer Science) and Dr Eric Plum (Optoelectronics Research Centre), you will gain strong interdisciplinary training in computational photonics, nanofabrication, and optical characterisation.

The project also includes close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, supporting the translation of fundamental optical concepts into practical imaging systems. In the later stages of the PhD, subject to progress and research focus, there will be opportunities to engage in international collaborations with NTU and MIT, advancing foundry-scale metasurface integration toward real-world deployment.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We welcome highly motivated candidates with a background in photonics, physics, electronics, or related disciplines who are eager to push the boundaries of light manipulation and intelligent sensing.

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

• 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 Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
• please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• 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 Xu Fang - x.fang@soton.ac.uk