PhD project in Intelligent electrical impedance matching for ultrasonic surgical devices under varying load conditions
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project aims to investigate the effect of varying excitation and loading on the change of electrical impedance of the ultrasonic surgical devices during tissue cutting. It also seeks to implement intelligent and self-adaptive control algorithm. The goal is to achieve a state of autonomously matched impedance between the load and the ultrasonic resonance tracking system. This will help maximise the ultrasonic energy transmission efficiency.
Ultrasonic surgical devices are increasingly employed in modern minimally invasive surgeries due to their low force, high precision, reduced thermal damage, and enhanced cutting and coagulation capabilities. A critical factor in their performance is the efficiency of power transmission from the driving electronics to the ultrasonic surgical device, which is susceptible to the changing surgical environments with dynamic and unpredictable load conditions due to variations in tissue type, contact pressure, and cutting depth, significantly alter the load impedance exerted on the surgical tip.
This project aims to advance the state-of-art techniques based on inductor-capacitor or transformer structures, and develop intelligent, real-time electrical impedance matching systems for a range of different sizes and configurations ultrasonic surgical devices, which dynamically adapt to varying load conditions and excitation levels. The established impedance matching systems will integrate adaptive control algorithms, machine learning techniques, and real-time sensing to continuously monitor the impedance characteristics and make corresponding adjustments to the matching parameters.
You will join the Mechatronics and Bioengineering research groups at the department of mechanical engineering.
This project will provide you with a rich and interdisciplinary research and learning experience, allowing you to carry out hands on skills in the following:
- embedded system design
- digital and analogy electronics
- signal processing
- ultrasonic surgical devices design
- fabrication
- testing
It will open diverse career paths in academia, research, and industry. You will be well-positioned for roles in cutting-edge medical technology companies and healthcare innovation.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, preferably with a background in mechatronics or electronics engineering.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum of £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants.
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 Engineering
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- 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 Dr Xuan Li (X.Li@soton.ac.uk).
