PhD Studentship: Disruptive Approach using Additive Manufacture for Optical Fibre Fabrication

PhD Supervisor: Christopher Holmes

Supervisory Team: Christopher Holmes, Pawel Maniewski, Jayanta Sahu

Project description

This PhD is at the cutting edge of optical fibre technology, pioneer unconventional methods for laser-based glass 3D printing, focusing on tailored materials for highly customized optical devices—a potential industry game-changer.

Optical fibre is the pinnacle of silica glass technology and has revolutionized worldwide communication. The project pursues the next chapter of optical fibre fabrication through use and development of laser-based Additive Manufacture (AM). This is an attractive way of fabrication, where reduced waste and short production cycles are widely recognized. Furthermore, additive manufacturing enables to utilise designs and materials that are not possible to obtain with traditional methods. 

Over the course of the project, the successful candidate will focus on development and characterisation of highly customized materials and feedstocks, which shall be then evaluated in laser-based fibre fabrication.

The project includes the use of University of Southampton cleanroom facilities, optical laboratories, and extensive material analysis. The planned research is part of a collaboration between University of Southampton and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden) and there is support to travel and conduct experiments in Sweden.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Christopher Holmes, Email: christopher.holmes@southampton.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.

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