Optoelectronic topological metasurfaces for light control

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Giorgio Adamo, Dr Nikitas Papasimakis and Dr Dong-Yang Wang

Recent developments in quantum materials and topological design principles are transforming the way we control the flow of light and charges. This project will develop nanostructured metasurfaces where optical and electronic functionalities build upon the fields’ vectorial nature and are codesigned, for a new generation of light-emitting and detecting optoelectronic (meta)devices.

Metasurfaces are thin planar arrays of subwavelength nanostructures that have transformed the way we can control the flow of light. Recent breakthroughs in quantum materials and topology-led design have extended their capabilities from passive to active manipulation. This project pursues the dynamic control of light emission and absorption in optoelectronic metasurfaces where the vectorial nature of their nanoscale optical and electronic responses intertwines and becomes crucial for determining their functionalities.

You will explore how to control the nanoscale interaction of matter with light in these platforms by engaging various degrees of freedom like polarization, spin, and symmetry. You will do it through a blend of experimental activities, theoretical analysis and numerical modelling. You will join the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), a world-leading photonics research organization, and collaborate closely with students, researchers and academic experts. You will be encouraged to take initiative, develop and test your own ideas. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborations, research meetings and to present your work at major international conferences.

Your research is expected to generate several papers in leading academic journals and contribute to shaping the future of this exciting field. As the project progresses, you will learn new ideas and concepts and develop highly transferable know-how and skills. These will include cleanroom nanofabrication, photonic/electronic materials and devices design manufacturing and characterisation, numerical simulations, as well as report writing, project management, time management, and presentation skills. This experience will prepare you for opportunities in academia and industry.

Find out more about Photonics and Optoelectronics at the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

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

• physics
• engineering
• mathematics
• materials science

or closely related disciplines.

Fees and 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. 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.

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)