On-chip topological photonics

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Dong-Yang WANG

This project will be designing and building topological photonic crystals on silicon chips, aiming to promote important applications such as optical imaging, sensing, and computing.

Topological photonics is an intriguing research direction to use topological theory for developing new optical materials. Topological photonic materials generally support robust light propagation against defect, and they make excellent solution for building on-chip photonic system.

This project will be designing and building topological photonic crystals on silicon chips, where the topological states will be tailored to enable important optical applications such as photonic imaging, sensing, and computing.

The research will focus on both theoretical calculations and experimental investigations. Cleanroom training and engagement will also be essential parts of the project research.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in physics or optoelectronics.

You are expected to have strong background and research interest in photonics, physics, and mathematics.

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

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:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)