Mid-infrared hollow-core fibre and laser development

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Lin Xu and Professor Natalie Wheeler

About the Project:

Are you interested in photonics and technologies that can truly impact our world? Then why not join the world-leading research team at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) to develop cutting-edge mid-infrared hollow-core optical fibres (HCFs) and laser systems that could transform medicine, manufacturing, and sensing technologies.

Unlike conventional fibres, HCFs guide light through a gas-filled core, enabling ultra-low loss, high-power delivery, and unique light-matter interactions. Their novel light guidance mechanism also allows these fibres to guide in the mid-infrared, a wavelength region normally inaccessible in conventional silica-based optical fibres.

This project will explore the design, fabrication, and integration of these fibres with custom-designed mid-infrared lasers to unlock new capabilities in areas such as:

• high-precision surgery – enabling minimally invasive procedures with greater control and reduced cost
• gas sensing and diagnostics – improving sensitivity and selectivity in environmental and industrial monitoring
• advanced manufacturing – powering next-gen laser additive manufacturing for aerospace, automotive, and medical devices

You’ll gain hands-on experience in:

• optical fibre design and fabrication in state-of-the-art cleanrooms
• advanced fibre and laser characterisation techniques
• laser development and integration into real-world systems
• collaborative, interdisciplinary research with experts in photonics, medicine, chemistry, and industry

During your PhD you will receive support and training from our world-class to help you develop your research career and achieve ground-breaking results.

Entry Requirements:

We welcome applicants from physics, materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, and related disciplines. If you're curious, creative, and excited by the idea of working at the forefront of photonics, this project offers a unique opportunity to make a real-world impact.

You'll need a very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry or a closely related discipline.

Fees and 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 funded 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.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• programme type: Research
• academic year: 2026/27
• if you will be full time or part time
• faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• 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)

The ORC is a global hub for photonics research, with over 90 cutting-edge labs, 200 researchers, and a vibrant community of PhD students. Offering a highly supportive environment that will ensure a smooth transition into research, and with numerous opportunities to publish and present your work internationally helping you to launch your career.

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.

Engineering (12)
Materials Science (24)
Physics (29)