Metasurface technology for next-generation automotive sensing and 3D facial recognition

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Xu Fang and Dr Eric Plum

This project will develop metasurface-engineered optical systems for next-generation automotive and biometric sensing. It combines advanced nanofabrication, machine learning-driven optical design, and international collaboration with NTU Singapore and MIT to push metasurface technologies toward real-world commercialisation.

Metasurfaces are planar nanostructures that can precisely control the amplitude, phase, and polarisation of light. They are redefining the frontiers of optical engineering. This project aims to harness these capabilities to create intelligent, ultra-compact optical systems for automotive sensing, such as LiDAR or driver monitoring, and 3D facial recognition.

You will have access to world-class nanofabrication and characterisation facilities at the University of Southampton. You will explore deep-learning-assisted metasurface design to achieve extreme light manipulation and implement these designs through wafer-scale fabrication in the University’s cleanroom facilities.

You will develop skills in computational photonics, nanofabrication, and optical characterisation. The project will also involve close collaboration with industrial and academic partners to translate novel optical concepts into practical systems.

At the second stage of the project, depending on progress and focus, you will have the opportunity to participate in international collaborations with NTU Singapore and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), advancing foundry-based metasurface integration toward commercial deployment.

Entry Requirements:

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

• photonics
• electronics
• physics

Fees and Funding:

This project Builds on recent funding from the EPSRC and the Leverhulme Trust.

We also 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), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)