PhD studentship: 3D Printed Integrated Optics (971518EH)

Supervisor:  Prof Peter Smith

Co-Supervisor:  Dr Christopher Holmes

Research Group (for the web):  Optical Engineering and Quantum Photonics Group

Project title:  3D Printed Integrated Optics

Project Description

From its inception 3D printing has been applied to a range of fields. Photonics is an emerging field into which additive and subtractive laser manufacture techniques are being applied to enhance manufacturing capability. 

This PhD project looks at developing 3D printing techniques, for the fabrication of integrated optical circuits. The project will develop precision printing techniques in a range of materials including optical quality doped-glass (achieved through Flame Hydrolysis Deposition), electro-optic polymers and metal species (deposited using cleanroom toolset). Laser processing will be made at a combination of wavelengths from the UV (213 and 244nm) to the Infrared (9.4 microns) and the application of a high precision computer controlled air-bearing translation stages. 

The PhD programme

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) PhD provides a solid education for a research career. The structured first year combines our training programme with carrying out your research project. To provide a smooth transition from your degree course towards the more flexible research that takes place in the following years under the guidance of your project supervisors. We expect our students to present their work at international conferences and to write papers in leading academic journals as their research progresses. Students will emerge from the PhD with skills at the forefront of future fibre laser research and will benefit from the many opportunities to interact with the wider community of PhD students across the Southampton Campus.

Candidate Requirements:

Applications would be welcome from candidates holding good degrees (1st class or 2:1 honours) in physics, materials science, mechanical or electronic engineering. Experimental skills are essential. In addition to the standard EPSRC PhD studentship, this position includes an annual allowance to enable attendance at international conferences. This post is open to UK and EU citizens only, due to standard EPSRC eligibility requirements.

How to apply:

To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in the Optoelectronics Research Centre to the University of Southampton including the fact that you wish to do a PhD within Prof. Peter Smith’s group. Please see the following address for more details: http://www.orc.soton.ac

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 30th April 2018 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Duration: typically three and a half years (full-time)

Funding: full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of up to £18,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. www.orc.southampton.ac.uk/phd_funding.html

Assessment: eight-and 16-month reports and viva voce determine progression to PhD; progression reports, viva voce and thesis examination

Start date: typically September

Closing Date: 30 Apr 2018
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)