Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
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243 research degree projects
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Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Investigation of fluorinated prolines by NMR spectroscopy
Some nasty peptides (conotoxins in carnivorous snails, neurotransmitter mimetics in snake venoms) contain uncommon conformers of the proline amino acid. This project is about controlling and measuring proline’s unusual dihedral angles, and improve nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods to gather structural and dynamics information, using fluorinated prolines (FPro) as natural prolines' proxies. -
Engineering
Peak tyre-road friction estimation for electric vehicles
Estimating peak tyre-road friction coefficient for autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) is still an open research problem. A potential solution will make a huge impact in their active safety systems, which are crucial for autonomous EVs given the extra importance of vehicle safety while moving towards higher levels of driving automation. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Quantum communications enabled by hollow core optical fibres
Optical fibres can transport telecom signals over long distances. However, qubits or other quantum states such as multiple-entangled-photos are often generated at wavelengths where current optical fibres are unsuitable. There is an emerging class of new optical fibres pioneered in Southampton that could revolutionize transport of quantum signals and states. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Quantum nano-optical metadevices
Controlling nanoscale light−matter interactions will be foundational for advanced quantum nanophotonic devices, including optically/electrically pumped light sources, switches, modulators, and photodetectors. In this project we will engineer coupling of quantum emitters, such as quantum dots, atomic defects in 2D materials or Moiré superlattices, to metasurfaces for future monolithic chips with indistinguishable emitters. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Nitrogen-vacancy centers as nuclear polarization injectors for spin-based quantum sensing
Spin-based quantum sensing converts tiny quantum signals into detectable responses by aligning microscopic spins, for example in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres. Can this alignment be exploited to amplify responses in other systems? This project addresses that question—theoretically and experimentally—via novel transfer protocols utilising periodic control fields and Floquet-engineering methods. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Manufacture of photonic and quantum technologies via ultra-precision diamond machining
This project will develop the core components of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems using ultra-precision diamond machining. The project will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics and electrical functionality. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Optimising optical microresonators for quantum technology applications
Join our dynamic research team to explore cutting-edge microscale optical resonator designs for quantum technologies. This PhD will combine photonics, quantum physics, and computational modelling to design devices that enhance the interaction between matter and light on the quantum level to unlock new capabilities in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Quantum Reservoir Computing for photonic and quantum materials modelling
Quantum physics and artificial intelligence are converging to redefine how light–matter systems are explored and engineered. This project will develop Quantum Reservoir Computing as a new theoretical and computational framework, exploiting the dynamics of quantum systems to achieve efficient learning, prediction, and inverse design of photonic and quantum materials. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Nonlinear photonics for quantum technologies
Nonlinear parametric photonics creates an interface between light and the atoms/ions and detectors used in quantum systems. This project combines novel fabrication approaches for nonlinear waveguides with established commercial materials to expand their operation into the ultra-violet and mid-infrared wavelength regions for use in practical quantum systems. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Physics and astronomy
Low-loss photonics for quantum networks
In the world of Quantum Technology every photon is precious. This project will create new ultra-low-loss optical components that will lead to advanced quantum memories, switchable delays, and the creation of large, entangled quantum states.