2D Material Enhanced Photonic Integrated Circuits based Quantum Sensing for Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring

This project focuses on developing a cutting-edge quantum sensing platform based on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and 2D materials such as Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) for ultra-sensitive point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Quantum sensing, which leverages phenomena like coherence and superposition, offers unprecedented sensitivity, far beyond classical detection limits. TMDCs, with their tunable optical properties, are ideal for enhancing light-matter interactions in Mid-IR and Raman spectroscopy. By integrating these materials with on-chip spectroscopy, this platform aims to detect disease biomarkers (e.g., cancer, ARDS) and environmental pollutants (e.g., VOCs, toxic gases) in real time.

The methodology involves fabricating PICs coated with TMDCs in Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) and waveguide configurations to enhance spectroscopic signals. Quantum principles will be exploited to improve detection sensitivity, allowing for real-time, low-concentration detection of biomarkers and pollutants. The platform will undergo rigorous proof-of-principle testing for its diagnostic potential and environmental sensing capabilities. By surpassing current lab-based technologies in sensitivity and speed, this quantum-enhanced system offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for rapid diagnostics and environmental protection, with transformative impacts on healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Join us in shaping the future of quantum sensing and making a real impact in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Apply now and be part of a team committed to advancing solutions for biomedical diagnostic and environmental monitoring challenges.

Entry Requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in physics or a closely related discipline.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk).

You need to:  

• choose programme type (research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

• please select if you will be full time or part time

• choose the relevant PhD in Optoelectronics (ORC)

• add Prof Senthil Murugan Ganapathy as the proposed supervisor in Section 2  

Applications should include:  

• personal statement 

• CV (resumé) 

• 2 reference letters 

• degree transcripts to date