Spatiotemporal Superconducting Metasurfaces for Next Gen Quantum Technologies

About the Project

Supervisors:

Dr Sajjad Taravati s.taravati@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:

Design and pioneer groundbreaking space-time-modulated superconducting metasurfaces to overcome critical quantum computing limitations. This experimental-theoretical PhD will develop dynamic metasurfaces that enable all-to-all qubit connectivity, significantly enhance coherence, and suppress decoherence in next-generation quantum processors, working at the frontier of quantum technologies, quantum computing and electromagnetic engineering.

Quantum computing promises to revolutionize technology but faces critical challenges in qubit connectivity, decoherence, and scalability. Conventional quantum architectures suffer from limited nearest-neighbour interactions and vulnerability to environmental noise, which restricts their computational potential. This groundbreaking PhD project will address these limitations by pioneering the development of space-time-varying superconducting metasurfaces—a transformative approach to quantum processor design. You will research, design, and experimentally validate innovative Josephson-based metasurfaces that enable polychromatic qubit coupling and nonreciprocal quantum state transmission. Unlike traditional static systems, these dynamic metasurfaces will facilitate frequency-selective interactions across qubit arrays, effectively transforming limited connectivity into all-to-all qubit interactions while simultaneously suppressing crosstalk and decoherence. This research will leverage advanced electromagnetic simulation tools (CST Studio Suite, COMSOL Multiphysics), theoretical modelling of wave-matter interactions in active quantum systems, and experimental characterization using cryogenic measurement techniques. The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum physics, advanced electromagnetics, and nanofabrication technology. You will gain expertise in superconducting circuit design, cryogenic measurement techniques, and quantum system characterization while contributing to foundational knowledge for future quantum technologies (6G and beyond) . This research has direct applications in enhancing quantum processing efficiency, enabling fault-tolerant quantum computation, and developing programmable quantum environments. You will join a vibrant research team with strong industrial and academic collaborations, including potential partnerships with leading quantum technology hubs. The project emphasizes both theoretical innovation and practical implementation, with access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and quantum characterization laboratories.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Sajjad Taravati s.taravati@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

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

Closing Date:

31 August 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.