Quantum levitated mechanics for GPS-denied autonomous underwater vehicle navigation

About the Project

Supervisors:

Professor Hendrik Ulbricht h.ulbricht@soton.ac.uk

Professor Blair Thornton B.Thornton@soton.ac.uk

Dr Georgios Salavasidis and Dr Yaomei Wang (National Oceanographic Centre) georgios.salavasidis@noc.ac.uk, yaomei.wang@noc.ac.uk

Dr Derryl Newborough (Sonardyne) Darryl.Newborough@sonardyne.com

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 will advance levitated optomechanical technology, specifically a levitated gradiometer, through early-stage development for autonomous underwater vehicles. You will contribute to the design, modelling, and experimental realisation of a prototype levitated gradiometer comprising two (or four) levitated optomechanical sensors stabilised by an optical interferometer for common-mode noise rejection.

Levitated optomechanical systems have rapidly emerged as a promising quantum technology for ultra-sensitive force measurements. While these systems have been successfully demonstrated in space, their potential in ocean and underwater environments remains largely unexplored. Such environments demand highly stable and precise sensing capabilities, particularly to enable reliable navigation where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are unavailable. Beyond navigation, the developed sensor concept could also be extended to geophysical applications, including the detection of small-scale density anomalies in the ocean and sub-seafloor environments, opening new pathways for environmental and resource exploration. This project will focus on advancing levitated optomechanical technology, specifically a levitated gradiometer, through early-stage development (TRL 1–3) for integration with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The PhD student will contribute to the design, modelling, and experimental realisation of a prototype levitated gradiometer comprising two (or four) levitated optomechanical sensors (LOMS) stabilised by an optical interferometer for common-mode noise rejection. The candidate will then explore how quantum-enhanced sensing can establish a new foundation for resilient navigation in GNSS-denied underwater environments, taking the first steps toward quantum-enabled assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). The research will address key challenges including sensor calibration, noise and disturbance rejection, and gravity-based map-matching techniques to enable accurate and reliable navigation during long-duration AUV missions. The project is a collaboration between the School of Physics & Astronomy and the Southampton Marin & Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton, the National Oceanographic Center (NOC) at Southampton and Sonardyne.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Professor Hendrik Ulbricht h.ulbricht@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.

Funding Notes

Funding is on a competitive basis.

UK students receive a 4-year UKRI TechExpert tax-free stipend around £31k per year (UKRI minimum +10k); studentships at the UKRI base rate are available for EU and Horizon Europe students and International students. Overseas students who have or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.