Co-supervisors: Dr Peter Horak, Professor Nathalie Wheeler

We are looking for a PhD student to join our team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers. You will enjoy a friendly and supportive environment for a collaborative project on the latest developments in optical fibre science and technology.

At the Optoelectronics Research Centre, we are leading the world in developing a new generation of optical fibres that promise a revolution in applications ranging from optical communications to ultraprecise optical sensors. Our hollow-core optical fibres harness some truly intriguing physics to guide light in an air-filled core region over tens of kilometres distance and are now outperforming standard optical fibres.

Currently, the central hole of the hollow core fibre is filled with air, which for some of the most advanced applications (e.g., transmission of quantum states or high-power signals) limits the fibre performance. This project thus aims to push the limits of what is possible with hollow core fibres by removing the air from the air-filled core.

You will work in one or more of these areas;

- investigate techniques for evacuation, which is not straightforward for km-length fibres;

- develop tools and methods to measure the gas pressure distribution (such techniques could be in the future used for a multitude of applications such as distributed sensing);

- study how these evacuated fibres can push the limits of what is possible with optical fibres.

Finally, we aim to use these fibres to demonstrate, for example, new record laser power delivery in fibres, interferometers with the minimum possible noise added by the fibre (of interest, e.g., for ultra-sensitive detection of gravitational waves), and transmission at wavelengths where air-filled hollow-core fibres or standard fibres have too strong absorption.

If you have an interest in optical fibres, their physics, and their applications, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from the world-leading expertise in these fields at the ORC and work in a supportive group of like-minded researchers, leading you to a PhD in an exciting new area of physics and technology.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in physics or a closely related discipline.

Closing date : 27 November 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Optoelectronics (ORC)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor

Applications should include :

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date