Development of a detection system for ocean hydrocarbons based on hollow core optical fibres (HCFs).

Supervisory Team:  Rand Ismaeel, Francesco Poletti, Natalie Wheeler, Yongmin Jung and Matthew Mowlem (External)

Project description

Ocean monitoring is a critical need, and it is closely related to human survival, from the long-term impact of global climate change to the sustainable development of ocean resources. This is a collaborative project, between the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre (UK) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI, US), which involves developing a new sensor to meet this need.

Marine sensing requires the ability to sense data timely, remotely, and accurately from all the environments of space, sea surface and deep sea. It also requires smart integration of data from different sensor systems, to enable accurate prediction of future environmental conditions and its influence of all form of life on our planet.

The aim of this innovative project is to develop a sensing system for dissolved hydrocarbons (mainly methane, ethane, and butane), using a specialty optical fibre, known as hollow core optical fibre, as both the fluidic channel and sensing medium. Selective gas extraction techniques to separate the dissolved hydrocarbons from water will also be investigated. Integration of the sensor with miniaturised subsea electronics within an autonomous sea vehicle will be carried out to enable field tests towards the end of the project, with opportunities to carry out a sea-based sensor deployment trial in the North Sea.

The project, which is supported by world-leading ocean sensor industries, will be a balance of theoretical and experimental work. The theoretical work will comprise numerical modelling of the interaction of light with a sea water filled HCF and improving the sensor design. The experimental work, including lab and field tests, benchmarking against existing technologies, will be undertaken on campus in both the Optoelectronics Research Centre, ORC (sensor fabrication) and the National Oceanography centre, NOC (sensor test and calibration). Furthermore, you will also engage in a 6 week knowledge exchange placement at MIT/ WHOI to investigate and develop novel deployment techniques.

Ideally, you will have a background in one of the following areas: Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering. Applicants with Material Science backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. Due to the Multidisciplinary nature of the team, you will have the opportunity to develop a valuable range of skills in cross-cutting areas of Photonics, Engineering, Oceanography, and Chemistry.

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: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). 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]