Ultra-stable Hollow Core Fibre Photonics

Supervisory team: Prof. Radan Slavik, Prof. Francesco Poletti, Dr. Meng Ding

Project description

At the Optoelectronics Research Centre, we are leading the world in developing a new generation of optical fibres that promise a revolution in applications ranging from optical communications to ultraprecise optical sensors. Our hollow-core optical fibres harness some truly intriguing physics to guide light in an air-filled core region over tens of kilometres distance and are now rivalling and outperforming standard optical fibres. However, their transformative potential in many areas remain largely unexplored.

This project will investigate how the new hollow-core fibres can revolutionize highly-stable lasers, of interest in various fields including accurate time keeping or positioning. This is important for new emerging applications such as accurate positioning for self-driven cars, sensing of Earthquakes using existing network of undersea cables, or relativistic geodesy. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory in London.

Further information:

A signal propagating through an optical fibre is generally considered to be immune to the external disturbances. However, this is only true for the signal intensity (power) – the time a signal needs to propagate through the fibre depends on environmental changes like temperature variations and here, hollow-core fibres significantly outperform conventional fibres. With further design and engineering, we have improved their stability even further, which is critical in many fibre systems such as:

• Interferometry (widely used across optics and quantum technologies),
• Ultra-precise time/frequency transfer, for instance, to support improvement of the already most-precisely defined units like second and meter,
• Next-generation data networks, such as 6G

Low sensitivity to external environment is only one of numerous examples, where hollow core fibres excel. This property will, however, be central to this PhD project.

Applications are welcome from candidates with a background in physics or engineering. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants that are keen to join a vibrant environment and looking to make a difference. You will be working within a group of world-renowned scientists at the forefront of research into an exciting technology and have access to state-of-the art hollow core fibres and top-class optical laboratories. You will also interact with our partners such as National Physical Laboratory in London or Microsoft 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