PhD project in Photonic fibres for renewable energy
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project focuses on designing and fabricating next-generation photonic fibre technologies using our advanced cleanroom facilities. While traditionally central to global telecommunications, these optical fibre platforms will be repurposed to develop renewable energy solutions, including solar power generation and low-cost energy storage, contributing to net-zero carbon goals.
The project combines experimental fabrication, optical characterization, and numerical simulations, supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in photonics, advanced manufacturing, and decarbonisation.
You will be designing and fabricating next generation photonic fibre technologies using our state-of-the-art Zepler cleanroom facilities. Our advanced manufacturing techniques currently allow for the development of complex microstructures and waveguides that augment the remarkable 4 billion km long optical telecoms global network that is a key enabler and bedrock of 21st century science, technology, commerce and society. However, as we urgently transition towards a net-zero carbon future, this highly scalable photonic platform technology will be repurposed by you to create transformative renewable energy concepts in both solar power generation and very low-cost renewable energy storage solutions to deliver a step change towards critical environmental challenges.
This multifaceted project will require significant numerical simulation effort to guide your experimental fabrication alongside in-depth optical characterization and optimisation. It is therefore supported by a highly multidisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in photonic materials and devices (Dr Pier Sazio), theoretical and numerical modelling of photonic microstructures (Dr Peter Horak), advanced manufacturing of novel optical fibres and lasers (Prof Mike Zervas) and the decarbonisation of industrial infrastructure (Prof Damon Teagle) to realise these innovative concepts and challenges.
You will develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom fabrication, photonic device characterisation, materials processing and numerical simulations 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:Â feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Pier-John Sazio (P.A.Sazio@soton.ac.uk).
