Optoelectronic backplane for computing and quantum applications

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Prof Frederic Gardes, Prof James Gates and Dr Thalia Dominguez Bucio

The aim of this project is to build the next generation of optical backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) hardware, computing and quantum technologies. You’ll design, fabricate and test silicon photonic circuits for ultra-fast data-links, gaining hands-on experience in cleanroom processes, simulation and characterisation within a world-leading silicon photonics group and in collaboration with industry partners.

Imagine computing that thinks with light. In this project you will create an ultra low loss optical “Printed Circuit Board” base on complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) waveguides and glass technology. As part of the Silicon Photonics Group at the Optoelectronics Research Centre, you’ll help co-integrate large scale glass waveguides with CMOS-compatible silicon photonic circuits.

Your work will combine creativity and hands-on making. You will:

• sketch ideas
• run electromagnetic and multiphysics simulations
• turn designs into real devices in our Zepler cleanrooms
• characterise them with electro-optical measurements

You’ll see a design travel from a notebook to a packaged chip; and learn how to communicate the results at conferences and in journals.

Depending on your interests, you can focus on device physics, scale up photonic very-large-scale integration (VLSI), or explore system-level architectures and benchmarking. You’ll join a friendly cohort of PhD researchers and collaborate with academic and industrial partners in the UK and overseas. We value curiosity, teamwork and growth. You’ll receive close supervision and tailored training so you can stretch into new skills with confidence. Your work will contribute to scalable, energy-efficient photonic backplane, optical interconnects and rapid data movement. The world urgently need these technologies.

The following training will be available:

• photonic/electromagnetic co-design (FDTD, eigenmode) and Python/Matlab for modelling and data
• nanofabrication in the Zepler cleanrooms (lithography, deposition, etch, bonding)
• device and system characterisation (electro-optical tests, high-speed measurements)
• professional skills: writing, presenting, project management, entrepreneurship, research integrity

Explore our environment to find out more about this project.

Entry requirements

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

• physics
• electrical or electronic engineering
• materials science
• photonics

or a related field.

Essential skills:

• understanding of semiconductor physics, optics/photonics and materials
• motivation to work across simulation, cleanroom fabrication and experimental characterisation

Desirable skills:

• experience in cleanroom processing or device characterisation, such as Etching, Ebeam, CVD deposition or SEM
• programming and modelling skills, such as Python/Matlab and FDTD/EM solvers
• interest in neuromorphic computing or integrated photonics

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.

Additional resources for this project:

• programme grant QUDOS, ends 2027
• EU project Ambrosia and Octapus, ends 2027
• UKRI CPIC IKC, ends 2030
• EPSRC photonic Ultra-high-Q REsonators (PURE), ends Oct 2028

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. 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.

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.

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)