Quantum Nano-optical Metadevices

About the Project

Supervisors:

Dr Giorgio Adamo g.adamo@soton.ac.uk

Professor Kevin Macdonald kfm@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:

Controlling nanoscale light−matter interactions will be foundational for advanced quantum nanophotonic devices, including optically/electrically pumped light sources, switches, modulators, and photodetectors. In this project we will engineer coupling of quantum emitters (e.g. quantum dots, atomic defects in 2D materials, Moiré superlattices) to metasurfaces for future monolithic chips with indistinguishable emitters.

Engineering light−matter interactions will be foundational for advanced quantum nanophotonic devices. A motivation that drives this research field is the industry demand for monolithic integration of photonics and optoelectronics to achieve all-optical interconnects, photonic logic gates, and quantum networks. This next generation photonic systems requires advances that allow, for example, the precise placement of quantum emitters - e.g. quantum dots, atomic defects in 2D materials, Moiré superlattices - into photonic cavities. During the project you will explore metasurfaces as optical cavities to study phenomena like coupling multiple quantum emitters for indistinguishability or fostering strong or ultrastrong light−matter interactions for tuning nonlinear interactions. You will do it through a blend of experimental activities, theoretical analysis and numerical modelling. You will join the ORC, a world-leading photonics research organization, and collaborate closely with students, researchers and academic experts. You will be encouraged to take initiative, develop and test your own ideas. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborations, research meetings and to present your work at major international conferences. Your research is expected to generate several papers in leading academic journals and contribute to shaping the future of this exciting field. As you progress through the project, you will gain highly transferable skills in cleanroom nanofabrication, photonic and optoelectronic materials, device design, manufacturing and characterisation, numerical simulations. You will also explore new concepts and play an active role in shaping innovative ideas. This experience will prepare you for opportunities in academia and industry. For further information see: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/photonics-optoelectronics.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Giorgio Adamo g.adamo@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.