A Quantum Leap for Quantum Technology

Supervisory Team: Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji, Prof Francesco Poletti

Are you ready to take a quantum leap in your career? Then why not join the Hollow Core Fibre group at the University of Southampton, in partnership with Microsoft Azure Fiber, and help create the optical fibres necessary for quantum technologies to become a reality

This project aims to develop custom Hollow Core Fibres (HCFs) for use in quantum computers, quantum repeaters and memories, and quantum communications. It looks to leverage the exceptional performance of hollow core fibres, and their ability to achieve low loss at wavelengths where efficient single photon sources and detectors exist, away from telecoms wavelengths of 1550 nm, to make the practical use of quantum technologies possible.

Role and Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Work to understand the fundamental physics of HCFs, and how their design parameters influence performance

• Develop custom HCFs for use in quantum computers, quantum repeaters and memories, and quantum communication

• Collaborate with the hollow-core fibre group and researchers at Southampton University, as well as external partners in the UK and Europe, to demonstrate ground-breaking new quantum applications.

• Work on low loss fibres compatible with efficient single photon sources and detectors.

Join Us 

This opportunity offers the chance to work with the ground-breaking HCF technologies being developed at Southampton University and Microsoft Azure, who also fabricate fibre in their dedicated facility near Southampton.

The project will be based at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. The ORC has led the world in optical fibre technology research for the past 50 years. With over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics, the ORC provides an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for students to grow. Its cluster of 12 photonics spin-out companies provides a natural career path for PhD graduates.

If you are ready to take a quantum leap in quantum technology, we would love to hear from you.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Ian Davidson, Hollow-Core Fibre Research Group, Email: I.A.K.Davidson@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

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

We are seeking candidates with a strong interest in quantum technology and optics, and a desire to learn more about hollow core fibres. You will have a background in physics, engineering, or material science and an interest in optics, photonics, and ideally glass science. You will be keen to undertake practical experimental work as well as learn to operate cleanroom equipment to make state-of-the-art HCFs.

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 Dr Ian Davidson as the proposed supervisor in Section 2  

Applications should include:  

• personal statement 

• CV (resumé) 

• 2 reference letters 

• degree transcripts to date