Spectrally Pure Topological Microcombs (Ref: AQ/PH/2026) Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This funded PhD project, 'Spectrally Pure Topological Microcombs (Ref: AQ/PH/2026)', is a collaboration between Loughborough University and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), targeting the development of ultrastable, low-noise optical microcombs for precision timing and quantum metrology applications. The research leverages advances in topological states and nonlinear optics to create compact, metrology-ready microcomb sources, aligning with the UK Quantum National Strategy and missions for ultraprecise clock distribution and network synchronisation.

The Emergent Photonics Research Centre at Loughborough University offers a state-of-the-art environment, with a 700 m² facility dedicated to complexity in photonics, including ultrafast photonics, optical frequency combs, AI for photonics, and terahertz technologies. The Centre is supported by a multi-million-pound portfolio of equipment and research grants from the ERC, EPSRC, DSTL, Innovate UK, and The Leverhulme Trust, and hosts several early-career fellowships and PhD studentships.

As part of the studentship, you will undertake two six-month placements at NPL, gaining hands-on experience in both academic and industrial settings. The project is closely linked to major UK and international quantum initiatives, including the UK Hub for Quantum-Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT), EPSRC Programme Grant on Chip-Scale Atomic Systems, and the STFC-NSERC UK-Canada MICROQ project.

You will join the teams of Prof Alessia Pasquazi (Loughborough) and Dr Jacob Tunesi (NPL), contributing to leading-author publications and international presentations. Loughborough University is committed to inclusivity, offering flexible working, parental leave, and equality charters.

Funding: The studentship covers a tax-free stipend of £25,555 per annum (including UKRI and industry top-up), UK tuition fees (£5,238), and additional support for conference travel, lab materials, and industry placements. International tuition fees (£29,500 for 2026/27) are not covered.

Eligibility: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a STEM field intersecting with photonics (physics, engineering, applied mathematics, advanced mechanics). Minimum English language requirements must be met. Both UK and international candidates are eligible, but international tuition fees are not funded.

Application: Apply online via the Loughborough University portal, selecting 'Loughborough' campus and 'Physics' programme. Quote reference AQ/PH/2026 and submit all required supporting documents. The closing date is 16 May 2026, with start dates in October 2026, February 2027, or July 2027. The position is available full-time (4 years) or part-time (8 years).

For further information, contact Prof Alessia Pasquazi ([email protected]) or the postgraduate admissions team ([email protected]).