Material platforms for low-loss photonic integration in the UV-VIS spectrum

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Thalia Dominguez Bucio and Prof Frederic Gardes

Explore advanced material platforms for UV-VIS photonic integrated circuits. This project will develop low-loss waveguides using wide band-gap materials, enabling breakthroughs in biomedical sensing, environmental monitoring, and compact light engines for high-resolution displays.

This PhD project focuses on the development and optimisation of advanced material platforms for photonic integrated circuits operating in the ultraviolet to visible (UV-VIS) spectrum.

The research aims to create low-loss waveguides and interfaces using wide band-gap materials such as silicon nitride and aluminium nitride, enabling high-performance passive photonic circuits. You will investigate thin-film deposition techniques, waveguide geometries, and fabrication processes to reduce scattering and absorption losses.

Key activities include:

• characterising the optical and structural properties of selected materials
• designing waveguide structures tailored for UV-VIS operation
• benchmarking their performance against existing platforms

Applications span biomedical sensing, environmental monitoring, and compact light engines for high-resolution displays and immersive visual systems. Your work will support the development of enabling technologies for future innovations in integrated optics and photonic systems.

Based at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), you will benefit from access to world-class cleanroom facilities, advanced characterisation tools, and a collaborative research environment.

Training will include thin-film deposition, waveguide design, cleanroom fabrication, and optical characterisation. You will also gain skills in simulation tools, scientific writing, and research communication through the ORC and the Doctoral College.

Entry Requirements:

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent with the background in one of the fields:

• photonics
• physics
• materials science
• electrical engineering

This project is ideal for you if you have interests in materials science, photonics, and semiconductor fabrication.

Fees & Funding:

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate plus 10% ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling £22,858 for 2025/26, rising annually) and a budget of £4200 for things like conference travel.

UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships.

Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) students are eligible for fee waivers.

Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

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 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)