PhD project in Mid infrared metaoptics and diffractive optical computing
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project focuses on designing and fabricating novel photonic computing devices using chalcogenide glass materials such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te). These materials enable the creation of micro and nanoscale structures known as meta-optics, that precisely control light over a broad spectral range.
This project combines experimental fabrication with numerical modelling of photonic devices, including the development of Diffractive Optical Networks that integrate deep learning concepts for all-optical computing and AI tasks.
You will be designing and fabricating novel photonic computing device configurations by working with amorphous semiconductor materials known as chalcogenides using the unique Novel and Compound Glass facilities within our state-of-the-art Zepler cleanrooms. These glass materials are based on the group VI elements S, Se and Te and exhibit a very wide transparency range, spanning from the visible to the far infrared. They therefore present an ideal technology platform for designing and fabricating Meta-Optics, which are a fundamentally new way of transforming light with unprecedented capabilities. These consist of micro and nanoscale structures with varying shapes and sizes designed to control the interaction of light by manipulating phase and dispersion.
Therefore, in parallel with experimental activities, you will focus on the numerical modelling of these advanced photonic device concepts. This will also include the development of Diffractive Optical Networks that bring deep learning principles into the design and operation of free-space optical systems to create new functionalities and enable all-optical implementation of various mathematical functions as well as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) and tasks.
You will develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom sample fabrication and electronic and photonic device characterisation, materials processing, numerical simulations and machine learning with input from industry partners and working with leading academic experts.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physics
- materials science
- engineering
Programming is an essential skill.
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 Optoelectronics (ORC)
- 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: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Pier-John Sazio (P.A.Sazio@soton.ac.uk).
