Quantum communications enabled by hollow core optical fibres

About the Project

Supervisors:

Prof. Radan Slavik r.slavik@soton.ac.uk

Prof. Francesco Poletti frap@orc.soton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

Optical fibres can transport telecom signals over long distances. However, qubits or other quantum states such as multiple-entangled-photos are often generated at wavelengths where current optical fibres are unsuitable. There is an emerging class of new optical fibres pioneered in Southampton that could revolutionize transport of quantum signals and states.

Hollow-core fibres are an emerging class of optical fibres where light is guided in a hole surrounded by a special glass structure. This allows light guidance through a core that has lower refractive index than the surrounding material, enabling the core to be formed by empty space. This is not possible in traditional fibres that guide light based on total internal reflection. Recently, design and manufacturing of hollow-core fibres reached such levels of maturity that they can transport light with lower attenuation than standard optical fibres, including at wavelengths where many quantum sources (e.g., quantum dots) and low-cost detectors (Silicon Avalanche Photodetectors) operate. This enables many designs of quantum memories and repeaters capable of transporting quantum signals over large (e.g. inter-country or inter-continental) distances. In this project we will exploit hollow-core optical fibres that can guide quantum signals at wavelengths where quantum sources and detectors operate (700-1000 nm) simultaneously with classical telecom signals that typically exploit longer wavelengths (1530-1610 nm), representing a ‘universal’ (supporting quantum, classical, or both) transmission medium. The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton is the world-leader in the design and manufacturing of these novel fibres (led by Prof. F. Poletti, a co-supervisor of this project). We will work with leading quantum physics and technology groups, e.g., at the University of Vienna, to demonstrate a range of new approaches enabled by these novel hollow-core fibres. The project is also supported by Microsoft Azure which acquired the ORC spin off that manufactures hollow-core fibres.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof. Radan Slavik r.slavik@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

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

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.