Modulation-enabled silicon photonics for RGB light engines

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Thalia Dominguez Bucio, Prof Frederic Gardes and Dr Ipsita Chakraborty

Join a cutting-edge project developing silicon photonic integrated circuits for Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) light modulation. You will explore novel approaches to control visible light on-chip, contributing to future technologies in displays, sensing, and optical communications.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are transforming how light is generated, manipulated, and detected on-chip, with applications in displays, communications, and emerging technologies. This PhD project focuses on developing PICs for RGB light engines with integrated light modulation capabilities.

The goal is to enable dynamic control of visible light across red, green, and blue wavelengths using compact and scalable platforms compatible with standard semiconductor fabrication processes.

Your role will involve designing and simulating PIC architectures that incorporate modulation mechanisms suitable for visible wavelengths. These designs will be fabricated using advanced cleanroom facilities and characterised using state-of-the-art optical testing equipment.

You will also explore integration strategies that enhance modulation performance while maintaining low optical loss and high spectral fidelity.

You will gain hands-on experience in photonic design, fabrication, and experimental characterisation, contributing to the development of next-generation visible-light photonic technologies.

Based at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the project offers access to world-class facilities and a vibrant interdisciplinary research community. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated student to work at the forefront of integrated photonics and contribute to innovations in light-based technologies.

You will receive training in:

• photonic design and simulation (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL)
• cleanroom fabrication
• thin-film deposition
• optical characterisation

Additional training in scientific writing, presentation skills, and research project management will be provided through the Doctoral College and ORC workshops, supporting both academic and industry career pathways.

Entry Requirements:

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

• photonics
• optics
• electrical engineering

Experience with simulation tools, cleanroom fabrication, or optical testing is desirable.

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)