PhD Studentship: Quantum Meta-Optics

Project title: Quantum Meta-Optics  

Supervisory Team: Dr Bruce Ou, Prof Otto Muskens

Project description:

The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Meta-optics, harnessing subwavelength nanostructures, commonly referred to as meta-atoms, arranged in either a periodic or aperiodic fashion, have garnered growing interest for their extraordinary ability to control light in both classical and quantum domains. These meta-optics serve as an ideal and distinctive foundation for creating optical components with a range of characteristics previously beyond reach. Meta-optics have the potential to replace bulky optical components and provide functionalities beyond conventional optics based on their flexibility, compactness, and versatility.

Quantum optical systems require sources of single photons, entangled photons, and other forms of non-classical light, along with advanced detection techniques. The quantum states might rely on various light properties such as polarization, direction, and orbital angular momentum. Meta-optics hold immense promise for manipulating these states.

This PhD project will focus on developing quantum meta-optics to control and manipulate complex interactions between quantum light and matter.

What You Will Do:

Design, develop, and prototype passive and active meta-optics components.

Conduct research that aims to meta-optics for manipulating quantum states of light.

Collaborate with a team of world-class researchers and engineers.

Present your findings in leading journals and at international conferences.

Who We Are Looking For:

Candidates with a strong background in physics, photonics and/or engineering.

Individuals who are innovative, and have a passion for research.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Bruce(Jun-Yu) Ou bruce.ou@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

You should submit your completed online application form by clicking the ‘Apply’ button above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Physics (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Bruce Ou.

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and 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 to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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