Integrated Ultra-High-Q Ring Resonators

Supervisory Team: Dr James Gates, Dr Chris Holmes, Bruno Moog 

Project Description

We are looking for a PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers developing systems for quantum technologies. 

In conjunction with our partner (California Institute of Technology, Caltech), you will develop ultra-high-Q, ring resonators, for rotation sensing and timing. These integrated resonators are a key component in photonics and will be a key enabling technology in several areas, including the stabilisation of atom trap clocks, rotation sensors and narrow-linewidth lasers. We will also work with other UK and international collaborators and PhD students to develop and demonstrate these applications. 

In this project, you will design, fabricate, and test these ring resonator systems. A key aspect of the project will be glass deposition, using the state-of-the-art facilities in the university's cleanroom facilities. You will also work with researchers at Caltech (with the opportunity for visits, if desired) to develop and test the fabricated devices. If you are interested in a PhD looking to do computer modelling and have the required skills, the project can also be adjusted for this. 

If you have an interest in photonics, microfabrication, and quantum technologies, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our group in Southampton and collaboration with partner groups around the country within the UK National Quantum Technology Programme. 

Find out more about:

Our department and research group:

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/faculties-schools-departments/zepler-institute

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/optical-engineering-quantum-photonics-group

   https://www.planarphotonics.com/ 

The PhD programme:

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/photonics-optoelectronics

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2_6yNQamkU 

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr James Gates, email: gates@soton.ac.uk 

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: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

The School of Zepler Institute is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.