Fabricating the Future of Telecommunications with Hollow Core Fibres

Supervisory Team:   Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji, Prof Francesco Poletti

Project description

Are you a graduate student in Physics/Engineering/Material Science or chemistry and want to be at the forefront of a technological revolution? If so, we invite you to join our collaborative project with Microsoft Azure Fiber at the University of Southampton.

Fibre optics has been the backbone of the internet revolution, transforming telecommunications over the past 50 years. However, it has reached its fundamental limits. Now, a transformative new technology is emerging - Hollow Core Fibres (HCF). Guiding light through the delicate glass microstructure of an air-filled HCF, this technology has the potential to redefine how data is transferred across the globe, offering reduced attenuation and increased transmission speed.

About the Project As part of our well-funded group and cohesive team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers to explore new HCF designs that could represent the future of data transmission. This PhD project aims to fabricate novel fibres and collaborate with our partners at Microsoft Azure Fiber, owners of one of the world’s largest global communication networks, to jointly create the future of data communications. Besides, applications of the revolutionary fibres in quantum photonics, space exploration, high energy physics and nuclear fusion will also be explored with existing collaborators worldwide.

Your Role In this project, you will delve into the physics and advanced fabrication techniques of state-of-the-art HCFs, exploring their fascinating optical properties. You will become an expert in both the fabrication and characterisation of HCFs, developing a high level of understanding of fibre optics and optical communications. You will have the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art fabrication equipment in an advanced cleanroom, and work with our external partners.

Join Us This project is based at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. The ORC has led the world in optical fibre technology research for the past 50 years. It comprised over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics. Its cluster of 12 photonics spin-out companies provides a natural career path for PhD graduates.

If you’re ready to shape the future of telecommunications with Hollow Core Fibres, we would love to hear from you. Seize this opportunity to be at the forefront of a fast-expanding discipline and make a significant impact on the future of technology.

Entry Requirements

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

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. 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.