PhD project in Design and fabrication of infrared metasurfaces
PhD @University of Southampton posted 1 day agoJob Description
About the project
This is a PhD Studentship in Nanophotonics and Metamaterials with Industrial placement at QinetiQ. This project will explore the design and fabrication of optical metasurfaces for infrared applications using advanced cleanroom nanofabrication and nanophotonics experiments.
Infrared technologies are of increasing vital for a range of applications including:
- autonomous vehicles
- environmental and industrial monitoring
- (aero)space
- defence and security
The scope of this project is to advance the fundamental physics and technology of metasurfaces in the infrared domain, with an emphasis on achieving both spatial variation, such as pixelated metasurfaces, and active control using electrical or optical actuation.
The project will explore the design of metasurfaces through both commercial and custom-built software, such as deep learning. Experimentally, we will fabricate metasurface optics using advanced full-wafer fabrication tools such as Southampton’s Deep-UV lithography (the only such system available in the UK’s academic research community) and our new 200 kV electron beam lithography system (the only such system currently installed in UK and Europe). You will receive training and will develop strong expertise in fabrication of devices using one of the leading research cleanroom facilities in the UK and worldwide.
This collaborative PhD studentship involves a joint partnership with QinetiQ, a multinational technology company providing advanced technology solutions for a range of application areas. You will periodically visit QinetiQ at their Farnborough site (based in Hampshire and convenient for travel to and from Southampton), where their activities will focus on, but not limited to:
- training
- knowledge transfer
- specification requirements
- characterisation
- system assembly
- testing
In addition to in-person visits, QinetiQ will maintain regular contact with you, providing mentorship and guidance from an industrial perspective.
You will join the Quantum, Light and Matter group at the University of Southampton, and frequently visit QinetiQ’s research facility in Farnborough, Hampshire.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
You must have interest in the topic of metasurfaces and an affinity for experimental optics research, involving numerical design, nanofabrication, and optical studies.
Our industrial partner, QinetiQ, operates a secure site, that excludes visits from some nationalities. Therefore, applications are invited from UK and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals only.
Fees and funding
For UK students, tuition Fees will be paid and you will receive a stipend (living allowance) starting at £20,780 tax-free per year for up to 3.5 years through an EPSRC PhD studentship.
Additionally, you will receive a substantial personal research budget for cleanroom use, travel (both collaboration and conference visits), industrial placement, and consumables.
We also offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and Horizon Europe students.
Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
To learn about funding opportunities visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Physics
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Professor Otto Muskens (O.Muskens@soton.ac.uk).
