Ocean’s Methane sensing using novel surface plasmon resonance technology

Supervisory Team: Rand Ismaeel, Matthew Mowlem

Project description

Ocean monitoring is a critical need, and it is closely related to human survival: from the long-term impact on global climate change to sustainable development of ocean resources.

Requirements for marine sensing include the ability to sense data timely and accurately from all the environments of space, sea surface and deep sea. It also includes 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 exciting and innovative project is to develop and expand the range of analytes (and pollutants) to detect, using a novel surface plasmon resonance technique of Recently, this innovative technique has been previously deployed for the detection of ocean hydrocarbons.

Within this project, you will optimise the sensor for the detection of a specific molecule depending on the following parameters.

• Sensor material and optimum design
• Compatibility with permeable membranes
• Sea vehicle specifications (payload size, depth, battery lifetime)
• Geographic location (Temperature, living aquatics)
• Water type and depth.
• Cross sensitivity with other molecules.

The successful candidate will be part of a wider Multidisciplinary team within the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC)/ National Oceanography Centre (NOC).

The project, undertaken with the support of the world leading ocean sensors industries, will be a balance of theoretical and experimental work. The theoretical work will comprise numerical modelling of the interaction of light with a permeable membrane. The experimental work will be undertaken on campus in both ORC (sensor fabrication) and NOC. In collaboration with world class researchers from Imperial College, a permeable membrane for a specific pollutant will add a dimension of selectivity to the sensor. You will also have the opportunity to join Southampton’s Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI).

Ideally, the candidate should have a background in one of the following topics: Physics, Photonics, Electronics 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 valuable range of skills in cross-cutting areas of 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]