Co-supervisors: Professor Francesco Poletti, Dr Meng Ding

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. However, their transformative potential in many areas remain largely unexplored.

This project will investigate how the new hollow-core fibres can revolutionize highly-stable lasers, of interest in various fields including accurate time keeping, positioning, or study of Earth seismic activities. This is important for new emerging applications such as accurate positioning for self-driven cars, sensing of Earthquakes using existing network of undersea cables, or relativistic geodesy. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory in London.

Further information:

A signal propagating through an optical fibre is generally considered to be immune to the external environment and associated disturbances. However, this is only true in terms of the signal intensity (power) – the time signal needs to propagate through the fibre depends on environmental changes like temperature variations. Hollow-core fibres perform significantly better in this particular property than today fibres. With further design and engineering, we have reduced it even further, which is critical in many fibre systems such as:

• Interferometry (widely used in any field of optics, including quantum technologies),

• Ultra-precise time/frequency transfer, for instance, to support improvement of the already most-precisely defined units like second and meter,

• Next-generation data networks, such as 6G

Low sensitivity to external environment is only one of numerous examples, where hollow core fibres excel. This property will, however, be in the centre of the successful candidate PhD research work.

Applications are welcome from candidates with a background in physics or engineering. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants that are keen to join a vibrant environment and looking to make a difference. You will be working within a group of world-renowned scientists at the forefront of research into an exciting technology and have access to state-of-the art hollow core fibres and top-class optical laboratories. You will also interact with our partners such as National Physical Laboratory in London or Microsoft UK.

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