Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
454 research degree projects
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Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Photoreactor modelling, design and fabrication
This multifaceted project targets the development of an all-in-one photoreactor described using multi- phase chemical models to incorporate the kinetics of photocatalysts, reactant flow and photon behaviour. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Metamaterials and nano-machines driven with light
The balance among elastic, electromagnetic and quantum forces changes dramatically at the nanometre scale. This project will explore the remarkable range of functional materials and devices that can be reconfigured with light and electromagnetic forces. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Photonic time crystals and timetronics
Time crystals are an eagerly sought phase of matter in which time-translation symmetry is broken. This project will explore the physics of optically-driven transitions to the time crystal state in nanostructured materials, and potential applications to ”timetronics” - a new data processing technology harnessing the unique functionalities of time crystals. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
2D Material enhanced ATR and Raman chips for biomedical sensing applications
There is an urgent need for diagnostic tools capable of swiftly delivering results directly at patients' bedsides and within doctors' practices. The prompt and precise outcomes obtained will enable rapid therapeutic decisions, ultimately leading to lives being saved at a reduced cost. In contrast, current technologies necessitate the transfer of samples to centrally located laboratories that are equipped with sophisticated instruments and staffed by highly skilled personnel. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering
Deep learning for process control and predictive capability for laser machining
Advances in lasers now allow the laser-based processing of almost any material. Innovation in this field is now therefore becoming heavily focussed on making existing processing techniques more precise and efficient. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Table-top cryogenic Lasers
Cryogenically cooled lasers have proven themselves a platform-architecture for future high-energy and high-average power systems in large-scale-facilities institutes across the world. We seek a capable applicant to advance small-scale “turn-key” state-of-the-art highly energetic solid-state lasers operating in the visible and UV wavelength bands. The project objectives are targeting modes of operation that will lead to new laser parameters suitable for advanced-manufacturing applications. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Advanced crystal-film engineering
Novel crystalline photonic devices offer exciting opportunities for creating efficient lasers and manipulating the properties of light. Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is an extraordinary technique using light to create new materials and devices. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Multimode fibre lasers
This project aims to develop novel fibre lasers where the interaction among spatial modes is the keystone to achieve light generation over a wide spectral bandwidth, well beyond what is possible with current fibre laser technology. -
Mathematical sciences
Mathematical modelling of poro-mechanics of soil
All human food supply, ecosystem and infrastructure services depend on soil, yet we have very little understanding of what happens in soil. Soil is one of the most complex and important self-assembling organo-mineral composites in the world. Developing an understanding of soil composition is important, as climate change is likely to alter soil function. We need to find new robust engineering practices and modify existing ones to enable effective soil resource management. -
Electronics and computer science
Interdisciplinary Studentship in Human-Centred AI
The Web Science Institute (WSI) at the University of Southampton is offering PhD studentships for multidisciplinary doctoral research with a particular focus on Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI).