About the project
Are you interested in fabricating the future of optical fibre technology? In this project you will help to create a new generation of polarisation maintaining optical fibres that rely on revolutionary hollow-core fibre technology. These fibres will enable new applications in many areas including quantum computing and laser power delivery.
Hollow-core fibres are a revolutionary technology where light is guided in air rather than glass, creating the opportunity for next level performance. However, until recently these fibres have not been able to control the polarisation of the light they are transmitting. In this project you will work with our highly experienced team (and industrial collaborators) to address this short coming.
The fibres realised in your project will support a broad range of applications in areas as diverse as quantum communication, sensing, manufacture, and laser light delivery, making them highly relevant to industry. And as such, your work will offer the opportunity to make a significant impact beyond the research lab.
This project will combine theoretical simulation, hands-on fibre fabrication, and experimental fibre characterisation to achieve its goals, and will be suited to students with a more experimental STEM background. Previous experience of photonics or optical fibre is an advantage, but not essential, as full training will be given.
Through your project you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills including:
- fibre design and characterisation
- hands-on experimental research work
- cross-disciplinary collaboration
- high level problem solving
Your project will be based at the world-recognised Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), home to a broad and diverse PhD student community and >150 academic researchers. This community will support you and provide the guidance needed to achieve your goals.
If you are enthusiastic, engaged, and interested in helping to develop an exciting new technology, then this is the project for you!
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.
