Postgraduate research project

Interaction of light and sound in emerging hollow core optical fibres

Funding
Competition funded View fees and funding
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

At the Optoelectronics Research Centre, we are leading the world in developing a new generation of optical fibres that guide light through an empty core rather than glass.  This project deals with studying how these new emerging fibres interact with sound and vibration and how to harness this property. 

The optical fibres being developed through this research could revolutionise applications ranging from optical communications to ultraprecise optical sensors.  Our hollow-core optical fibres harness some truly intriguing physics to guide light in an air-filled core region over tens of kilometres distance and are now outperforming standard optical fibres. However, their transformative potential in many areas remains largely unexplored. 

The objectives of this project are to study how light propagating in the hollow-core fibres interacts with vibrations and sound waves. Examples could include ultra-stable interferometers for studying interaction of quantum states with gravity or to obtain lasers with unprecedented stability. Another example is distributed acoustic sensing, needed in various fields such as structural monitoring in aerospace.

If you are enthusiastic, eager to work in a vibrant environment, and motivated to make a difference, this could be the perfect project for you. You will be working within a group of world-renowned scientists at the forefront of research into an exciting technology and have access to state-of-the art hollow core fibres and top-class optical laboratories. You will also interact with our partners such as Institute of Sound and Vibration at the University of Southampton and National Physical Laboratory in London.

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.