About the project
Explore advanced material platforms for UV-VIS photonic integrated circuits. This project will develop low-loss waveguides using wide band-gap materials, enabling breakthroughs in biomedical sensing, environmental monitoring, and compact light engines for high-resolution displays.
This PhD project focuses on the development and optimisation of advanced material platforms for photonic integrated circuits operating in the ultraviolet to visible (UV-VIS) spectrum.
The research aims to create low-loss waveguides and interfaces using wide band-gap materials such as silicon nitride and aluminium nitride, enabling high-performance passive photonic circuits. You will investigate thin-film deposition techniques, waveguide geometries, and fabrication processes to reduce scattering and absorption losses.
Key activities include:
- characterising the optical and structural properties of selected materials
- designing waveguide structures tailored for UV-VIS operation
- benchmarking their performance against existing platforms
Applications span biomedical sensing, environmental monitoring, and compact light engines for high-resolution displays and immersive visual systems. Your work will support the development of enabling technologies for future innovations in integrated optics and photonic systems.
Based at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), you will benefit from access to world-class cleanroom facilities, advanced characterisation tools, and a collaborative research environment.
Training will include thin-film deposition, waveguide design, cleanroom fabrication, and optical characterisation. You will also gain skills in simulation tools, scientific writing, and research communication through the ORC and the Doctoral College.
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.
