The “self-driving” laser

Supervisory team: Dr Ben Mills and Dr James Grant-Jacob

Friday, July 31, 2026

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

This PhD will help build the next revolution, the “self-driving” laser, a new class of intelligent light sources that think for themselves. These lasers will sense their environment, learn optimal parameters in real time, and autonomously deliver perfect results across diverse materials and geometries.

Fibre lasers have revolutionised modern manufacturing, powering everything from smartphone cutting to precision welding in electric vehicles. Yet today’s systems are still blindly obedient: they follow pre-programmed settings, unable to sense, adapt, or learn.

This unique project blends experimental photonics, automation, and AI programming, offering hands-on work with cutting-edge laser systems and the chance to pioneer the intelligent, autonomous manufacturing tools of the future.

Modern manufacturing relies on powerful fibre lasers for cutting, welding, and surface processing, yet today’s systems remain static, operating from pre-set parameters rather than adapting intelligently to changing materials or environments. The challenge, and opportunity, is to create a new generation of “self-driving” lasers that can see, think, and act in real time.

This PhD will pioneer AI-controlled fibre laser systems capable of autonomously optimising their performance during operation. The research will combine deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative modelling with experimental photonics and automation.

You will develop and train advanced neural networks for laser control, combining:

• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for real-time analysis of laser–material interactions
• Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms to adapt laser parameters dynamically for optimal results
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to simulate and predict machining outcomes before they happen.

Working within the world-leading Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, you will access state-of-the-art ultrafast laser laboratories, high-performance computing (HPC) resources, and opportunities for industrial collaboration with UK partners developing advanced laser manufacturing tools. The intended outcome is a working prototype of an adaptive, self-optimising laser platform, a foundational step toward the autonomous factories of the future.

This PhD offers exceptional interdisciplinary training at the intersection of artificial intelligence, photonics, and automation. You will gain hands-on experience in:

• ultrafast and fibre laser operation, beam diagnostics, and laser–material interaction experiments
• machine learning for physical systems, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), reinforcement learning (RL), and generative adversarial networks (GANs)
• experimental automation and control, using Python-based data acquisition, real-time feedback, and embedded systems
• high-performance computing (HPC) for large-scale AI model training and simulation.

You will receive comprehensive technical and professional development through the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) Graduate School, which provides specialist modules in photonics, computational methods, and transferable skills (e.g. project management, communication, and entrepreneurship).

The project also offers opportunities to collaborate with industry partners working on laser manufacturing and intelligent process control, with the potential for short research placements or secondments.

By the end of the PhD, you will be equipped with a unique cross-disciplinary skillset spanning experimental laser science, AI-driven control, and autonomous systems, preparing you for leadership roles in both academic research and high-tech industry.

Entry requirements:

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in one of the following or a closely related discipline:

• physics
• photonics
• electrical engineering
• computer science

You must have:

• strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• programming experience in Python or a similar language
• solid understanding of optics, photonics, or machine learning principles

Ideally you will have:

• experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow) or control systems
• knowledge of laser systems, optical experiments, or automation hardware (e.g. cameras, motion stages, microcontrollers)
• interest in applying AI to real-world physical systems.

We welcome applicants who are motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries, combining AI, optics, and experimental physics, and who are enthusiastic about developing the next generation of intelligent manufacturing technologies.

Fees and funding:

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate plus 10% ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling £22,858 for 2025/26, rising annually) and a budget of £4200 for things like conference travel. UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Chinese Scholarship Council funded students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply:

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

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