Hollow-Core Optical Fibre Quantum Light Sources

This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk/). In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project description

Quantum technology often requires non-classical, quantum light. Hollow-core fibres, a highly interesting speciality optical fibre where light is guided in a gas filled core, offer a promising route to generate, transmit, and distribute this non-classical light, and this will be the focus of this project.

Quantum systems typically rely on the generation, transmission, and distribution of non-classical light, such as single or entangled photons. Numerous approaches to achieve this are available but these can be difficult to combine into larger system.

Optical fibres already form the backbone of much of our existing data communication infrastructure and as such are a highly mature technology where may solutions for integration already exist. Hence, the development of fibre-based single and entangled photon sources is a highly interesting area of research but one that has been held back by the properties of traditional all-glass, solid-core fibres.

Hollow-core fibres (HCFs), a relatively new form of speciality fibre where light is guided in a hollow gas filled core, offer a route to solving this issue and hence will be the focus of this project. The main goal will be to tailor the performance of HCFs for the generation of single and entangled photons through design, pressurisation, and post-fabrication processing. As such the project will consist of both experimental and theoretical (modelling/simulation) tasks. Further, HCFs also offer a route to transmit and distribute this light, which will potentially be another project focus.

This work will be undertaken as part of our existing HCF research team, who will help guide and support your work, and will make use of our existing, state-of-the-art facilities. The project will also build upon our recent ground-breaking hollow-core fibre research results and will see you working in a highly interesting, rapidly developing, and important area of research.

Supervisory team: Dr Ian Davidson, Dr Peter Horak, Dr Gregory Jasion

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Ian Davidson, [email protected]

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing date

Applications are accepted throughout the year for a start date in September 2025. Overseas students requiring funding must apply before 31 March 2025

Funding

Funding on a competitive basis. For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate tax-free for 4 years. EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online here: Select programme type “Research”, “Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences”, next page select “PhD Quantum Tech Eng”. In Section 2 of the application form insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include (further details on https://qte.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/ ):

Personal statement

Curriculum Vitae

Contacts of two referees

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.