PhD Studentship in Experimental Physics - Novel Materials and Structures for Quantum Photonics

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

The demands of energy-efficient and high-performance photonic devices have been driven by the quantum revolution. This PhD studentship aims to develop novel materials and components that facilitate strong light-matter interactions and enhance nonlinear optical responses for advanced photonic functionalities. This project is multifaceted and presents the opportunity to investigate semiconductors, composites, waveguides and resonators. The student will explore synthesis and fabrication strategies and develop methods for advanced optical characterisation. The student will be provided training and access to advanced characterisation facilities and state-of-the-art photonic experimental instruments at Newcastle University. By integrating advanced materials with innovative photonic structures, this interdisciplinary project will enable next generation photonic devices for quantum applications. 

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1^st October 2026

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: EPSRC

Supervisors: Dr Leo Tsui, Prof Noel Healy

Eligibility criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here.

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption. 

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here.

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8839F
• Select ‘PhD Physics (FT) (Experimental)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template.
• The studentship code DLA2615 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details

For more information, please contact Dr. Leo Tsui, leo.tsui@newcastle.ac.uk. You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application.

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