About the Project
Project supervisor(s): Dr Qiang Li & Professor David Thomson
Funding: Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Application deadline: Tuesday, August 31, 2027
Future Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centres will require highly sensitive, energy-efficient optical interconnects operating at unprecedented data rates. This project will explore novel integration approaches to combine III-V semiconductor heterostructures with silicon photonics to develop high-speed and avalanche photodetectors, enabling next-generation optical receivers for future communication systems.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscale data centres is driving demand for faster, more energy-efficient optical interconnect technologies. Silicon photonics has emerged as a leading platform for future co-packaged optics, providing scalable integration of optical communication functions. However, significant challenges remain in improving receiver sensitivity, reducing power consumption, and sustaining continued growth in data transmission capacity.
This project will investigate a new generation of high-speed and avalanche photodetectors based on III-V semiconductor heterostructures integrated with silicon photonic circuits. Leveraging emerging epitaxial growth techniques, the research will explore novel device architectures that enable precise control of optical absorption, carrier transport and avalanche multiplication, creating opportunities for highly sensitive and energy-efficient optical receivers.
You'll undertake research spanning semiconductor materials, device physics and photonic integration. A major focus of the project will be the growth and characterisation of advanced III-V heterostructures, together with the design and optimisation of doping profiles and junction architectures for photodetector applications. The project will investigate carrier transport, high-field effects, impact ionisation and avalanche processes in semiconductor devices, providing insights into the physics governing high-speed and high-sensitivity photodetection. This project offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple disciplines, combining materials growth, nanofabrication, device engineering and photonic integrated circuits. There will be opportunities to interact with our academic and industrial partners across the UK and internationally.
How to apply
Please apply via the online portal and select:
- Academic year: 2027/28
- 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)
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.
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.
Contact information
For application enquiries, please contact the Doctoral College at: [contact details available in the full listing]
For an initial conversation, please contact the project leader (Dr Qiang Li) at: [contact details available in the full listing]
