About the project
Help shape the future of safe, high-performance batteries. This PhD will develop new optical diagnostic tools to monitor strain, pressure, and temperature inside batteries in real time. You will combine photonics, materials innovation, and sensing technology to create scalable solutions improving reliability and lifetime across energy and transport sectors.
Battery safety and reliability remain major challenges for electric vehicles, aerospace systems, and renewable-energy storage. This PhD project will develop innovative optical diagnostic technologies to monitor the internal condition of batteries in real time.
Using light to sense strain, pressure, and temperature, the research will reveal how mechanical and thermal stresses evolve during operation and how they contribute to battery degradation. You will explore new glass-based sensor designs and compact optical interrogation systems to achieve low-cost, scalable monitoring suitable for embedded and distributed sensing.
The work combines photonics and materials engineering, providing an exceptional interdisciplinary training environment. The project is supported by strong industrial partnerships and will benefit from collaboration opportunities, facility access, and potential placement experience.
Experimental work will be carried out in the University of Southampton’s world-leading Optoelectronics Research Centre and School of Engineering, providing access to advanced glass fabrication, laser micro-processing, and photonics laboratories. This research will advance the development of intelligent, self-diagnosing battery systems, paving the way for safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy technologies.
The School of Engineering 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.
