On-chip Quantum Cryptography Using Two-Dimensional Materials

About the Project

Supervisors:

Dr Yasir Noori y.j.noori@soton.ac.uk

Frederic Gardes fg5v@ecs.soton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

The objective of this PhD project is to develop an on-chip entangled photon source that can be integrated within a quantum cryptography system to enable ultimate security of digital communication based on the laws of quantum physics.

Existing techniques to encrypt data in our Internet networks are vulnerable to being easily broken by emerging quantum computers. IBM has recently released a 1000-qubit quantum computer and the challenge of finding alternative techniques to encrypt our data is becoming ever more urgent. Fortunately, quantum cryptography is a suitable solution to overcome this challenge. However, quantum cryptography requires unique lasers that emit entangled photon pairs one at a time. In this PhD project, you will use two-dimensional (2D) materials as light sources for entangled photons for quantum cryptography applications. You will have hands-on experience in fabricating on-chip photonic structures in a cleanroom environment to improve the emission of entangled photons and engineer integrated waveguides to manipulate the polarisation of these photons, store them in memory devices and sense them at the receiver end. During your PhD, you will design, simulate, fabricate and test various on-chip photonic structures to develop single photon sources. You will work within the Sustainable Electronic Technologies Group, a vibrant group of Academics, Research Fellows and PhD students at the School of Electronics and Computer Science. Your research will involve accessing a large set of experimental facilities that are hosted by the group, equipping you with expertise and skills for performing research and development within academic and industrial settings. Your background is expected to be in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Yasir Noori y.j.noori@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

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)

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.