About the project
Design and fabricate next-generation photonic fibres using advanced cleanroom technologies, repurposing telecoms-inspired photonic platforms for renewable energy generation and low-cost energy storage. Gain expertise in modelling, fabrication, characterisation, and materials processing within a multidisciplinary team tackling critical net-zero challenges.
In this PhD programme, you will be designing and fabricating next generation photonic fibre technologies using our state-of-the-art Zepler cleanroom facilities. Our advanced manufacturing techniques currently allow for the development of complex microstructures and waveguides that augment the remarkable 4 billion km long optical telecoms global network that is a key enabler and bedrock of 21st century science, technology, commerce and society.
However, as we urgently transition towards a net-zero carbon future, this highly scalable photonic platform technology will be repurposed by you to create transformative renewable energy concepts in both solar power generation and very low-cost renewable energy storage solutions to deliver a step change towards critical environmental challenges.
This multifaceted project will require significant numerical simulation effort to guide your experimental fabrication alongside in-depth optical characterization and optimisation. It is therefore supported by a highly multidisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in photonic materials and devices (Dr Pier Sazio), theoretical and numerical modelling of photonic microstructures (Dr Peter Horak), advanced manufacturing of novel optical fibres and lasers (Prof Mike Zervas) and the decarbonisation of industrial infrastructure (Prof Damon Teagle) to realise these innovative concepts and challenges.
This project would thus be suitable for a highly motivated candidate with a strong physics, materials, or engineering related background and programming abilities to develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom fabrication, photonic device characterisation, materials processing and numerical simulations with input from industry partners and working with leading academic experts.
The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
