Manufacture of photonic and quantum technologies via ultra-precision diamond machining

About the Project

Supervisors:

Prof James Gates j.gates@soton.ac.uk

Dr Paul Gow p.gow@soton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

This project will develop the core components of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems using ultra-precision diamond machining. The project will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics and electrical functionality.

Quantum Technologies present new challenges for manufacturing engineering. Southampton has been developing ultra-precision machining systems for the scalable manufacture of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems. These components are the kernel of quantum sensing and quantum computing systems. You will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics. In this project, you will design, fabricate, and test atom and ion trap systems while working with experimentalists to demonstrate quantum sensing and computing. If you are interested in a PhD looking to do computer modelling and have the required skills, the project can also be adjusted for this. Areas include: - Development of atom and ion trap cells using diamond milling systems. You will create miniature vacuum cells from silicon, silica (glass) and sapphire. These will contain optical windows, integrated mirrors and electrical and vacuum feedthroughs. - Fabrication of integrated optical waveguides and large area tilted Bragg gratings to couple light out of integrated waveguides to form free-space beams for micro-atom traps. - Development of freeform micro-optics (lenses, mirrors, resonators, etc) enabling the creation of more compact (SWaP-C) and more efficient quantum photonic systems. If you are interested in quantum technologies, photonics and micro-fabrication, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our Southampton group and collaborating with partner groups within the UK National Quantum Technology Programme. Quantum Technologies present new challenges for manufacturing engineering. Southampton has been developing ultra-precision machining systems for the scalable manufacture of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems. These components are the kernel of quantum sensing and quantum computing systems. You will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics.

In this project, you will design, fabricate, and test atom and ion trap systems while working with experimentalists to demonstrate quantum sensing and computing. If you are interested in a PhD looking to do computer modelling and have the required skills, the project can also be adjusted for this. Areas include:

• Development of atom and ion trap cells using diamond milling systems. You will create miniature vacuum cells from silicon, silica (glass) and sapphire. These will contain optical windows, integrated mirrors and electrical and vacuum feedthroughs.
• Fabrication of integrated optical waveguides and large area tilted Bragg gratings to couple light out of integrated waveguides to form free-space beams for micro-atom traps.
• Development of freeform micro-optics (lenses, mirrors, resonators, etc) enabling the creation of more compact (SWaP-C) and more efficient quantum photonic systems.

If you are interested in quantum technologies, photonics and micro-fabrication, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our Southampton group and collaborating with partner groups within the UK National Quantum Technology Programme. Our research group: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/optical-engineering-quantum-photonics-group

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof James Gates j.gates@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

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)

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Engineering (12)