About the project
Develop the next generation of ultralight optical systems for space - including mirrors, membranes, and photonic stacks engineered to harness light in space. This PhD will advance novel designs, materials, and fabrication techniques to create adaptive, deployable, and space-radiation-tolerant reflectors; enabling breakthroughs in space energy and optical infrastructure.
The project involves work on the next generation of ultralight optical systems for space - including mirrors, membranes, and photonic stacks engineered to harness and control light in space. Optical systems are central future space missions, from energy collection, communication to remote sensing.
Nevertheless, current optics are heavy, expensive to launch, and often unable to withstand the extreme environments of space for the duration of the missions. This PhD project aims to overcome these challenges by developing adaptive, deployable, and space-radiation-tolerant reflectors and photonic films through innovations in materials science, optical design, and fabrication processes.
The research will explore thin-film coatings, freeform designs, and metasurfaces that can achieve exceptionally low areal mass while maintaining optical precision.
You will have a chance to learn and contribute to the sustainability net zero aims while innovating for the upcoming space era. These topics align well with future careers in academia, research, as well as the national and international space, solar, photonic, and sustainability engineering companies and start-ups.
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.
