Metasurfaces for Machine Vision and Compact Photonics

Metasurfaces – planar arrays of subwavelength nanostructures – enable precise control of electromagnetic waves within an ultrathin layer of material. As a replacement for bulk glass/crystal optics they can dramatically reduce the size and weight of optical systems.

However, while metasurface lenses are now being deployed in a range of axial focusing, beam steering, and structured light generation applications, single-layer designs are inherently subject to off-axis aberrations, and performance trade-offs that limit their usefulness in applications dependent on high-fidelity imaging and wavefront control, such as micro-endoscopy, optical metrology, and automotive LiDAR. Bilayer architectures can address these issues, and/or add novel optical functionalities not possible in bulk or single-layer metasurface lenses, but present complex design and fabrication challenges.

This project will leverage computational (inverse) design-for-manufacturing methodologies, and Southampton’s unparalleled nanofabrication facilities to demonstrate the applications potential, and a pathway to scalable fabrication, of bilayer metasurface optical elements.

Our Nanophotonics research group is a multinational team of students, postdoctoral and academic staff working together on various aspects of cutting-edge nanophotonics research. We explore, develop and demonstrate the physics and technology of novel materials and light-matter interaction phenomena at sub-wavelength scales, with wide-ranging applications potential e.g. in optical metrology, sensing, super-resolution imaging, data processing, and advanced manufacturing. Our work is supported by large research grants (currently totalling >£20M) from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) is a world-leading photonics research organization. With over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and a diverse community of around 200 researchers working in all areas of optics and photonics, it provides an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for postgraduate students.

Our extensive training programme provides knowledge and skills through photonics lectures, training for report writing, project management, time management, presentation skills and full safety training for your research area – all essential life skills for the next step in your career. Find out more about photonics and optoelectronics at the University of Southampton.

Within this project, you will have opportunity to develop advanced skills in experimental photonics, computational electromagnetic modelling, nanofabrication, the application of machine learning and AI, and electron and optical microscopy. Our students typically publish several papers in leading academic journals and present their work at a number of major international conferences, as their research progresses.

Entry requirements

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

• physics
• optics and photonics
• nanomaterials science
• or other relevant disciplines

Fees and funding

This project is funded by EPSRC research project "Future Advanced Metrology Hub" (524363101).

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.

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), 2027/28, 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:

• 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

For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.

Project leader

For an initial conversation, kfm1@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.