PhD in Programmable Silicon Photonic Circuits

Laplace Expert Ltd; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship

Job summary

The University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre invites applications for a PhD on programmable silicon photonic circuits, combining photonic-device design, cleanroom fabrication and optical characterization to build configurable integrated circuits.

Research will cover waveguides, switches, interferometers and larger reconfigurable architectures, linking modelling with fabrication and experimental work.

Qualifications

• Normally a UK 2:1 degree or international equivalent in a relevant engineering, physics or related discipline.
• Strong background in silicon photonics and photonic circuit design.
• Experience in cleanroom fabrication and optical characterization.
• Independent research and scientific communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on programmable silicon photonic circuits.
• Develop and test configurable optical components and architectures.
• Collaborate with cleanroom technicians and data analysis teams.
• Disseminate findings through publications and presentations.

Skills

Silicon photonics

Photonic circuit design

Cleanroom fabrication

Optical characterization

Education

2:1 UK degree or international equivalent in engineering or physics

Job description

University of Southampton · Optoelectronics Research Centre

England, United Kingdom

30 September 2027; no exact official cutoff time was verified.

About This Opportunity

The University of Southampton offers a PhD on programmable silicon photonic circuits, combining photonic-device design, cleanroom fabrication and optical characterization to build configurable integrated circuits. The source lists 30 September 2027 as the closing date.

This project investigates how configurable silicon-photonic building blocks can be combined into programmable optical circuits. Research can span waveguides, optical switches, directional couplers and Mach–Zehnder interferometers through to larger reconfigurable architectures such as binary trees and loop networks. The work connects modelling and circuit design with cleanroom fabrication and experimental characterization. The aim is to create flexible photonic hardware that can be reprogrammed rather than manufactured for one fixed function. The researcher will work in Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre with access to specialist silicon-photonics infrastructure.

silicon photonics programmable photonics integrated optics waveguides photonic circuits

Level PhD

Time Commitment Full-time

Programme PhD Optoelectronics Research Centre

Reference Code PhD ORC (7097)

Field Programmable Silicon Photonic Circuits

Specialization Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Scholarship

Funding Type Scholarship

Requirements

Education

Normally a UK 2:1 degree or international equivalent in a relevant engineering, physics or related discipline.

Experience

Technical Skills Silicon photonics Photonic circuit design Cleanroom fabrication Optical characterization Mach-Zehnder interferometers

General Skills Independent research Experimental problem solving Scientific communication