PhD Studentship: Novel Metamaterials

Supervisory Team: Iris Nandhakumar and Antonios Kanaras 

Project Description: 

This project will investigate the production and properties of a new class of optical metamaterials which are nanostructured on the 2 to 100 nm range by a versatile bottom-up approach utilising self-assembled lyotropic liquid crystal phases of lipids and surfactants for templating. This class of materials include embodiments in which the nanostructures are fully three dimensional including one which is like interpenetrating chain link fences with “links” only a few nanometers across. The well-defined nanostructure present in these materials will lead to entirely new properties and thus they will be true metamaterials in which 40% of all the atoms are at or near a surface, i.e. an engineered metamaterial almost entirely composed of surface atoms. Examples of the properties include light-plasmon non-linearities and in particular the possibility of grating coupling to surface plasmon polaritons using a photoinduced grating, modification of light emission from emitters embedded in the dielectric portion of the materials including the enhancement of dipole forbidden transitions, and massive enhancement of optical non-linearities such as e.g. Raman scattering as well as a negative refractive index. The range of potential applications is vast ranging from metamaterial cloaking materials, nanolasers to high speed optical computing.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre. 

Entry Requirements

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

Closing Date: 30 June 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

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Iris Nandhakumar. 

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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