About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Lin Xu, Prof Summet Mahajan
This project aims to develop programmable ultrafast fibre lasers for multiphoton microscopy, enabling flexible control of pulse duration, energy and repetition rate. By combining gain-switched laser diodes with advanced nonlinear fibre amplification and pulse compression, the research will deliver versatile excitation sources for high-speed, deep-tissue imaging with improved efficiency and reduced photodamage.
Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful tool for imaging biological structures deep within living tissues, enabling advances in neuroscience, cancer research and biomedical science. However, its performance is strongly influenced by the excitation laser, with conventional ultrafast laser sources often offering limited flexibility in pulse duration, energy and repetition rate. This restricts the ability to optimise excitation conditions for different imaging depths, biological samples and acquisition speeds, while minimising photodamage.
This project aims to develop a new generation of programmable ultrafast fibre lasers that provide flexible, application-specific excitation for multiphoton microscopy. Combining gain-switched laser diodes, advanced nonlinear fibre amplification and pulse compression, the research will investigate new approaches to controlling pulse characteristics and temporal patterns. The objective is to establish compact, robust and cost-effective laser sources capable of delivering tailored excitation pulses while maintaining high pulse quality and reliable operation. Particular attention will be given to near-infrared wavelengths suitable for deep-tissue three-photon microscopy and to programmable pulse delivery for improving imaging efficiency.
The project will bring together complementary expertise at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and the Institute for Life Sciences (IfLS), integrating advanced photonics research with biomedical imaging requirements. Potential industrial collaborators, including NKT Photonics and AstraZeneca, could provide valuable perspectives on laser-system development, practical implementation and biomedical research needs.
Expected outcomes include new knowledge of programmable nonlinear pulse amplification, experimental demonstrations of versatile fibre-laser excitation sources, and evaluation of their benefits for multiphoton imaging. By enabling laser parameters to be adapted to imaging requirements, this research could support faster acquisition, more efficient excitation and reduced photodamage, ultimately advancing biological imaging capabilities and strengthening the UK's position in photonics and life-science innovation.
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), 2027/28, 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)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, [contact details available in the full listing].
Project leader
For an initial conversation, [contact details available in the full listing].
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.
