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We have 173 Optical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Optical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 173 Optical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
A PhD in Optical Physics focuses on the study of light and how it interacts with matter. You’ll have the chance to lead your own research project that will further our current understanding of reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference. Whether you are researching optical fibres, display panels, semiconductor systems or drug-development tools, you’ll be aiming to improve the lives of millions of people across the world.
What's it like to study a PhD in Optical Physics?
Doing a PhD in Optical Physics, you will become proficient in the skills necessary to contribute to a research portfolio which spans sectors such as medicine, homeland security, telecommunications, the environment, and computer science.
Some typical research topics in Optical Physics include:
- laser spectroscopy
- biophotonics
- nanophotonics
- quantum imaging and storage
Typical Optical Physics PhD research projects take between three and four years to complete. As well as undertaking research training within your department, you will also attend external meetings and conferences and may be submitting research posters as your research develops.
To be awarded your PhD, you must submit a thesis of about 60,000 words and defend it during your viva exam.
PhD in Optical Physics entry requirements
The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Optical Physics usually involves a 2:1 Bachelors in engineering, materials science, physics, medical sciences, biotechnology or in a related subject. If you can demonstrate experience in microscopy, machine learning or image data analysis then this would help your application (but isn’t essential). You will also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans.
PhD in Optical Physics funding options
In the UK, PhDs in Optical Physics are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) who provide a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding or apply for a project that already has funding attached.
It is also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Optical Physics (although this cannot be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.
If you are considering a part-time PhD in Optical Physics, it may also be worth asking your employer if they are happy to sponsor you.
PhD in Optical Physics careers
A PhD in Optical Physics could lead you down the road of a scientific career such as a lens design engineer, electrical engineer, optical designer or coating technician. You may work at a university, continuing your research or you might choose to work in the private sector. .
Self-organized magnetic and droplet states for quantum technologies
The project will investigate self-organized phases in cold atoms with light-mediated coupling (see [1] for a review). Read more
Self-organized magnetic and droplet states for quantum technologies (Theory focus)
The project will investigate self-organized phases in cold atoms with light-mediated coupling (see [1] for a review). Read more
Fully–funded Home PhD Studentship on Centimeter Accuracy Positioning of Mobile Devices using 10s Picosecond Order Time Synchronised Radio Access Networks
Applicants are invited to apply for a fully funded 3-year UK home PhD studentship in the Optical Networks Group working on time synchronisation in optical networks, within the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at University College London (UCL), a world-leading optical communications research group. Read more
Laser System Design for Digital Manufacturing
Laser System Design for Digital Manufacturing. The laser resonator in defence& security systems dictate the system design and is usually the highest cost component of the system. Read more
Laser Based Manufacturing of Precision Optical Systems
Laser Based Manufacturing of Precision Optical Systems. Manufacturing of lasers and similar high precision optical systems is challenging in terms of the very high precision and thermo-mechanical stability that is required whilst providing for active alignment processes. Read more
Structure-property relationships of a new generation of organic photonic materials
Structure-property relationships of a new generation of organic photonic materials. Photonics. Jean Charles Ribierre. Read more
MRes: Measuring the expansion of waxes upon melting at high pressure
The Materials and Physics Research Group at The University of Salford has recently developed a new all-optical method to directly measure the pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) equation of state (EOS) of fluids and transparent solids in the diamond anvil high pressure cell by measuring the volume of the sample chamber. Read more
Development of Phonon Cavities for Probing the Electron-Phonon Interaction in III-V Semiconductors
The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) is widely regarded as the one of the leading Photovoltaics research hubs in the world. Read more
Ultra-compact chromatic confocal sensor implementing metasurfaces for rapid surface topography evaluation using coordinate measuring machines
As part of the £5.5M EPSRC grant, ‘Next Generation Metrology Driven by Nanophotonics’ awarded to the Universities of Huddersfield and Southampton, we are… Read more
Novel Phase Change Materials for integrated photonics
Enabling integrated and free space photonics with advanced reprogrammable materials. The current increase in data generation is expected to reach unsustainable rates by the end of the decade. Read more
Quantum-limited holographic sensing of nanoparticles in plasma CVD of quantum devices
Solid state device fabrication underpinning semiconductor and quantum technology [1] relies heavily on etching and deposition techniques based on plasma chemical vapour deposition (CVD) [2,3]. Read more
PhD in Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering - Active Photonic Resonator Thermometry (Quantum Thermometry)
Temperature is one of the most familiar measurable quantities that influences our lives. It is also a key quantity controlling biochemical processes, for example in the body, or in the manufacture of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Read more
High-speed, sustainable lasers based on OLEDs
BANNER: Fully funded PhD scholarship as part of a European collaboration- Apply by 14th October. Read more
Experimental study of tunable fibre-optic and semiconductor optical frequency combs
Applications are invited for a three-year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies at Aston University. . Read more
Funded PhD studentship in Semiconductor Epitaxy at the UK National Epitaxy Facility
The EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility has a funded PhD studentship available for research and development in the epitaxy of semiconductor materials and devices. Read more