Supervisors: Dr Pier-John Sazio and Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis
This PhD project will develop novel composite anti-resonant hollow-core fibres integrating atomically thin 2D materials for advanced photonic and optoelectronic applications. The successful candidate will gain multidisciplinary expertise in cleanroom fabrication, materials integration, device characterisation, and numerical modelling while contributing to next-generation light management and photon processing technologies.
Hollow core optical fibre waveguide geometries are becoming increasingly relevant to modern telecommunications systems, an exemplar of which is the anti-resonant fibre (ARF) structure, which can guide light in the air core using a variety of cladding architectures. Intriguingly, the high internal surface area presented by this waveguide geometry offers an ideal material deposition template for strong light-matter interaction and to this end, we have developed world leading knowledge and expertise in deposition technologies that allow a wide variety of functional materials such as semiconductors and metals to be embedded within these air-silica structures.
More recently, we have explored the extraordinary properties of atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials within ARF structures, opening up exciting opportunities for next-generation photonic and optoelectronic devices and applications at the monolayer limit. In this PhD studentship, the candidate will further develop this novel composite material ARF (CM-ARF) technology, spanning the multidisciplinary remit between cleanroom based, 2D materials fibre integration technology for the highly innovative CM-ARF platform, with applications in active photon management and light processing functions.
Analysis of device properties will be performed in our fully equipped characterization laboratories, complemented by numerical simulation studies to complete the development cycle.
This photonic device technology and materials science driven project would thus be suitable for a highly motivated candidate with a strong physics, materials or engineering related background and programming abilities to develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom sample fabrication and electronic or photonic device characterisation, numerical simulations working with leading academic experts.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physics
- materials science
- engineering
- or other engineering-related background
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
If you have a general question, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, pjas@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.
Closing date: 2027-07-31. Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide).
