Pushing the Boundaries of Light: Fabricating the Next Generation of Hollow Core Fibres

About the Project

Supervisory team: Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji and Professor Francesco Poletti

This project focuses on developing novel Hollow core fibres designs using cutting-edge fabrication techniques. Applications range from quantum communications and computing to radiation-immune sensors for fusion reactors and particle accelerators.

Hollow core fibres (HCFs) guide light through air rather than glass, offering radically improved performance for data transmission, sensing, and high-power delivery. This project will explore the fabrication of hollow core optical fibres, a fast-growing field with global impact, that could transform industry.

You'll explore fibres capable of delivering ultra-high laser powers for defence and energy applications, including laser drilling for oil and geothermal. You'll be part of a collaborative and well-supported team, working alongside researchers who pioneered this technology and helped bring it to commercial reality.

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) is home to over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and a vibrant community of more than 200 researchers. Its strong track record in photonics innovation and its cluster of spin-out companies offer excellent career prospects for graduates. Moreover, the University of Southampton is consistently ranked among the UK’s top research universities.

This is a unique opportunity to gain deep expertise in a transformative technology, supported by a team with strong links to industry and global research partners. You’ll be encouraged to publish your work, attend international conferences, and contribute to projects with real-world impact. You’ll receive hands-on training in our advanced cleanroom facilities and labs to design, fabricate, and characterise fibres with unprecedented capabilities.

Apart from the main supervisors, this project also has Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji as a supervisor.

Entry requirements:

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

• physics
• engineering
• materials science
• chemistry

or a closely related discipline.

Prior experience in optics or fibre fabrication is desirable.

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. Chinese Scholarship Council funded 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.

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)