Quantum-Enhanced Mid-IR Spectroscopy for High-Precision Sensing

About the Project

Supervisors:

Prof. Senthil Murugan Ganapathy smg@orc.soton.ac.uk

Dr. Katrina Morgan Katrina.Morgan@soton.ac.uk

Prof. Liudi Jiang L.Jiang@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:

This project aims to revolutionise diagnostics with a quantum-enhanced mid-IR sensing platform for quick, easy and non-invasive detection of pollutants and disease markers. By integrating advanced materials, it will enable ultra-sensitive, real-time environmental and health monitoring, offering a powerful tool for early disease detection and improved pollutant tracking.

Imagine a world where detecting pollutants or diagnosing diseases is as simple as a quick, non-invasive test. This project aims to make that vision a reality by developing a quantum-enhanced mid-IR sensing platform with the power to transform environmental monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. The technology will allow for the real-time detection of low-concentration pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and enable rapid, precise screening for disease biomarkers, like cancer, at ultra-low levels. To achieve this, we will integrate Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) with Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and advanced metasurfaces. Known for their tunable optical properties, TMDCs will boost light-matter interactions, while metasurfaces amplify specific resonances to increase mid-IR detection sensitivity. These quantum sensors, leveraging phenomena like coherence and superposition, will detect subtle thermal changes from mid-IR absorption. This innovative approach promises ultra-sensitive, compact, and scalable molecular fingerprinting solutions, setting new standards for environmental and health diagnostics. Additionally, this project will be highly multidisciplinary, and the student will be strongly supported by a supervisory team with expertise across three Schools: Optoelectronics Research Centre, Electronics and Computer Science, and Engineering.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof. Senthil Murugan Ganapathy smg@orc.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)