Artificial Intelligence to Transform Optical Fibre Design

Supervisory Team: Dr Greg Jasion, Dr Greg Jackson, Prof. Francesco Poletti

Project description

PhD Position: AI-Driven Design of Hollow Core Optical Fibres

Join the world-leading Hollow Core Fibre group at the University of Southampton in partnership with Microsoft Azure, and be at the forefront of a technological revolution. We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious individual to develop the next generation of hollow core optical fibres (HCF) using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Project Overview

HCFs guide light in an air core through a delicately designed microstructure, allowing light to travel faster, with less degradation and more power than traditional glass fibres. These fibres have real-world applications ranging from data-centres to industrial machining lasers, and the fibres designed in this project could span oceans, deliver quantum communications or monitor fusion reactors.

Over the last 5 years, we have led a rapid transformation of these fibres. However, as the fibre designs have become more complex and the number of design parameters has increased, we now aim to harness the power of AI to rapidly explore a vast range of design spaces to discover designs for the next generation of Hollow Core fibre.

Role and Responsibilities

During this project, you will:

• Develop and test machine learning approaches to fibre design.
• Identify new designs for hollow core fibres.
• Develop the fabrication of promising fibre designs.

About You

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in AI and its applications in design optimisation tasks. This project will not only develop machine learning frameworks to design better hollow core fibres but will also deliver new ways of understanding the fundamental physics of how these fibres work, and how the design parameters influence the performance of these fibres.

Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to work with a world leader in HCF technology and Microsoft Azure, who fabricate fibre in their dedicated facility near Southampton. If you are ready to leverage the power of AI to design the future of optical fibres, we would love to hear from you.

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The start date will typically be late September, but other dates are possible.

Funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online via the ‘Apply’ button above. Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]