About the project
Help build the future of photonics through a PhD developing mid-infrared hollow-core optical fibres and lasers; technologies capable of solving challenges in laser surgery, gas sensing, and additive manufacturing. This project will allow you to gain interdisciplinary (physics, engineering and materials science) experience and build valuable experimental and problem-solving expertise.
Mid-infrared light is vital for many important applications – from gas sensing to laser power delivery. Conventional solid-core fibres however struggle to transmit mid-infrared light due to material absorption and challenges. Hollow-core optical fibres offer a solution by guiding light in a gas-filled core rather than glass, enabling ultra-low loss, high-power light delivery, and unique light-matter interactions.
This project will explore the design, fabrication, and integration of these fibres with new custom-designed mid-infrared lasers to unlock new capabilities in areas including:
- high-precision surgery – enabling minimally invasive procedures with greater control and reduced cost
- gas sensing and diagnostics – improving sensitivity and selectivity in environmental and industrial monitoring
- advanced manufacturing – powering next-gen laser additive manufacturing for aerospace, automotive, and medical devices
You’ll gain hands-on experience in:
- optical fibre design and fabrication
- advanced fibre and laser characterisation techniques
- laser development and integration into real-world systems
- collaborative, interdisciplinary research with experts in photonics, medicine, chemistry, and industry
This project will be based at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) in Southampton, a global hub for photonics research, with >150 researchers, and a vibrant community of PhD students. This highly experience team and environment will support you in your work allowing you a smooth transition into research, as well as providing many opportunities to collaborate with industry. Your project will also allow you to publish extensively and present your work internationally, helping you to launch your research career.
We welcome applicants from those with a science and engineering background and a passion for shaping the future of photonics research.
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.
