This project aims to fabricate novel fibres and collaborate with our partners at Microsoft Azure Fiber, owners of one of the world’s largest global communication networks, to jointly create the future of data communications. We will explore, with existing collaborators worldwide, applications of these revolutionary fibres in quantum photonics, space exploration, high energy physics and nuclear fusion.

Fibre optics has revolutionised our world over the last 50 years, transforming telecommunications and how we communicate. However, it has reached its fundamental limit. But a transformative new technology – Hollow Core Fibres (HCF), offers a solution. By guiding light through an air-filled core surrounded by a delicate glass microstructure, this technology has the potential to redefine how data is transmitted across the globe, increasing its speed and efficiency.

As part of our well-funded and highly collaborative team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers to explore new HCF designs that represent the future of data transmission.

In this project, you will delve into the physics and advanced fabrication techniques of state-of-the-art HCFs, exploring their fascinating optical properties. You will become an expert in both the fabrication and characterisation of HCFs, developing a high level of understanding of fibre optics and optical communications. You will have the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art fabrication equipment in an advanced cleanroom, and work with our external partners.

You will be based at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) . The ORC has led the world in optical fibre technology research for the past 50 years. It comprised over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics. Its cluster of 12 photonics spin-out companies provides a natural career path for PhD graduates.

The Optoelectronics Research Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as demonstrated by the school’s Athena Swan award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age. We take personal circumstances into account, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The campus has onsite childcare facilities.

The project is supervised by Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji and Professor Francesco Poletti.

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5xls2b/doctor-ian-davidson

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5zty2j/doctor-ghafour-amouzad-mahdiraji

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5x59mp/professor-francesco-poletti

Entry requirements

You must have a minimum of a UK 2:1 honours undergraduate degree or its international equivalent , in physics or a closely related discipline.

How to apply

https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Search

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 Computer Science
• add name of the supervisor in section 2

Applications should include:

• personal statement
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date