About the project
Recent developments in quantum materials and topological design principles is transforming how we control the flow of light and charges. This project will develop nanostructured metasurfaces where optical and electronic functionalities are codesigned, fostering the emergence of novel coherent phenomena, leading to new generations of light-emitting and detecting optoelectronic (meta)devices
Metasurfaces are thin planar arrays of subwavelength nanostructures that have transformed the way we can control the flow of light. Recent breakthroughs in quantum materials and topology-led design have extended their capabilities from passive to active manipulation.
This project pursues the dynamic control of light emission and absorption in optoelectronic metasurfaces where the optical and electronic responses intertwine and become crucial for determining their functionalities.
During the project you will research strategies to engineer the short- and long-range interactions of matter with light in these platforms by engaging various degrees of freedom like polarization, spin, and symmetry. You will do it through a blend of experimental activities, theoretical analysis and numerical modelling.
You will join the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), a world-leading photonics research organization, and collaborate closely with students, researchers and academic experts. You will be encouraged to take initiative, develop and test your own ideas. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborations, research meetings and to present your work at major international conferences. Your research is expected to generate several papers in leading academic journals and contribute to shaping the future of this exciting field.
As the project progresses, you will learn new ideas and concepts and develop highly transferable know-how and skills. These include cleanroom nanofabrication, photonic and electronic materials and devices design, manufacturing and characterisation, numerical simulations. This experience will prepare you for opportunities in academia and industry.
Our extensive PhD training programme provides knowledge and skills through photonics lectures, training for report writing, project management, time management, presentation skills and full safety training for your research area. These are all essential life skills for the next step in your career.
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.
