Ultrafast lasers and high-harmonic generation: Developing compact X‑ray sources for next‑generation imaging

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Peter Horak and Dr Bill Brocklesby

This PhD offers the chance to exploit advanced computer simulations to drive experiments, pushing the boundaries of ultrafast science and opening new frontiers in physics and biomedical applications. Join our interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and engineers to develop a cutting-edge femtosecond laser-based source of X-ray pulses for next-generation imaging.

Ultrafast science is transforming how we see the world. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics recognised the power of femtosecond and attosecond X-ray pulses—bursts of light so short they can capture electrons in motion. These pulses are revolutionising fields from molecular physics to biomedical imaging.

In this PhD, you will help design and develop compact, table-top X-ray sources based on high-harmonic generation, where intense femtosecond fibre lasers interact with gases to produce bright, coherent X-ray radiation.

Your role will focus on computer simulations to understand and optimise every stage of this process:

• propagation of ultrashort, high-intensity laser pulses through gases
• ionisation and plasma formation
• laser–plasma interactions
• X-ray emission through atomic recombination

Your simulations will guide experiments carried out in our state-of-the-art labs at the University of Southampton and the Rosalind Franklin Institute at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

You will work with models ranging from intuitive semiclassical approaches to large-scale supercomputer simulations, gaining both theoretical insight and practical computational skills.

You will be part of a supportive, collaborative team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers with expertise spanning physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Along the way, you will develop highly transferable skills in nonlinear optics, laser physics, and high-performance computing—preparing you for a career at the forefront of science and technology.

If you are excited by lasers, light–matter interactions, computer modelling, and the challenge of pushing physics into new regimes, we would love to hear from you.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Closing date: 31 August 2026. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum of £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk)

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)

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk