Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
454 research degree projects
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Electronics and computer science | Physics and astronomy | Chemistry | Engineering
Large area 2D semiconductor platforms
Revolutionising the semiconductor industry with next generation 2D materials and devices.Moore’s Law is currently being challenged with Nvidia CEO recently claiming it is over. The scaling of transistors cannot continue due to physical limitations of silicon posing a threat to the sustainable evolution of new technologies. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Electronics and computer science | Biological sciences | Medicine
Laser-based fabrication of medical diagnostic devices in paper
The aim of the project is to use a laser-based direct-writing technique developed and patented by our group to pattern microfluidic devices in paper for the creation of the diagnostic sensors or tests. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Phased array fibre lasers with machine learning
This project combines state of the art optical fibre laser amplifiers with machine learning control to produce next-generation lasers. These “smart” phased-array lasers promise to revolutionise materials processing and other important near-term and futuristic laser applications, including even starship propulsion. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Mid-infrared laser amplifiers for tomographic imaging of chemical species in gas turbine combustion and green aviation
University of Southampton is seeking a committed candidate for laser research towards green aviation and net-zero carbon emission from gas turbines within the LITECS programme. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Next generation of high power fibre lasers in the visible and ultraviolet wavelength bands
Scaling laser power in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) bands remains as one of the most significant challenges facing laser scientists, motivated by the needs of a growing number of applications in areas such laser processing of materials, medicine, sensing and defence. Traditional methods for accessing this wavelength regime are not compatible with operation at high power levels and so a different approach is needed. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Hollow core optical fibres and Radio Frequency signals
At the Optoelectronics Research Centre, we are leading the world in developing a new generation of optical fibres that promise a revolution in applications ranging from optical communications to ultraprecise optical sensors. Our hollow-core optical fibres harness some truly intriguing physics to guide light in an air-filled core region over tens of kilometres distance and are now rivalling and outperforming standard optical fibres. However, their transformative potential in many areas remain largely unexplored. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Opto-mechanical properties of emerging hollow core optical fibres
At the Optoelectronics Research Centre, we are leading the world in developing a new generation of optical fibres that promise a revolution in applications ranging from optical communications to ultraprecise optical sensors. Our hollow-core optical fibres harness some truly intriguing physics to guide light in an air-filled core region over tens of kilometres distance and are now rivalling and outperforming standard optical fibres. However, their transformative potential in many areas remain largely unexplored. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Vacuum hollow-core optical fibres
This project aims to push the limits of what is possible with hollow core fibres by removing the air from the air-filled core. Currently, the central hole of the hollow core fibre is filled with air, which for some of the most advanced applications, such as transmission of quantum states or high-power signals, limits the fibre performance. -
Physics and astronomy
Hunting for hidden black holes and extreme transients using large surveys
This is pure blue-skies astronomy research project. The research will be computer-based using publicly available software and well-known mathematical techniques. -
Physics and astronomy
Hidden black holes and the search for self-lensing binaries
Binary systems containing high mass stars evolve through a number of stages, and in many cases can appear as a black hole or neutron star orbiting at a large distance from a ‘normal’ companion star. This is a very long-lived condition which accounts for the vast majority of the millions of binary systems harbouring neutron stars and black holes in our Galaxy. Self-lensing occurs when the binary system is viewed edge-on such that optical light from the companion star is bent towards us and magnified. In the case of microlensing this is a one-off event, whilst self-lensing repeats on the orbital period of the binary.