Next generation silicon photonic modulators

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Professor David Thomson and Dr Bharat Pant

This project will focus on research into the next generation of optical data communication technology enabling key applications such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to thrive.

Many aspects of modern life have become reliant on high bandwidth data communication, pushing the associated technology to its performance limits and contributing significantly to global energy use. Optical data communication is progressively being used to replace electrical data links over shorter and shorter distances to enable increasingly high transmission rates to be achieved and allowing performances to grow to meet future needs whilst reducing power consumption. Silicon based optical communication technology is widely considered to be the leading solution for such links since manufacturing can use silicon electronic facilities, allowing high volumes, high yield and ultimately low-cost production.

We are developing the next generation of silicon optical modulators, a key element in an optical data link enable that converts data from an electrical format into an optical format. Our group have access to all the required tools in advanced device development. We can accurately model modulator device performance using a range of commercial and in-house developed software packages. At Southampton we have one of the best academic cleanroom facilities in Europe allowing us to fabricated devices using a range of industry like processes.

You'll work alongside world leaders in this field and to be involved in the full cycle of novel device research from concept to design and modelling, fabrication, and test. You'll get hands on experience with the device fabrication process, supported by a team of experience technicians. Device characterisation is performed in a range of laboratories with state of the art testing equipment, allowing devices to be tested at speeds beyond 100 Gb/s (gigabits per second).

Entry Requirements: You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Fees and Funding: 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.

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 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)

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.