Integrated photonic ultra-high-Q ring resonators

About the project

Integrated ring resonators are a key component in photonics and will be an enabling technology in several areas, including the stabilisation of atom-trap clocks, rotation sensors and narrow-linewidth lasers. With our partner (California Institute of Technology, Caltech), you'll develop ultra-high-Q ring resonators for rotation sensing and timing.

You'll join our interdisciplinary, friendly team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers developing quantum technology systems.

In partnership with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), you'll develop ultra-high-Q ring resonators for Quantum Technology. These integrated resonators are a key component in photonics and will enable several areas, including the stabilisation of atom trap clocks, rotation sensors, and narrow-linewidth lasers. We will also work with other UK and international collaborators and PhD students to develop and demonstrate these applications.

In this project, you'll design, fabricate, and test these ring resonator systems. A key aspect of the project will be glass deposition using the university's state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. You will also work with researchers at Caltech (with the opportunity for visits, if desired) to develop and test the fabricated devices. If you are interested in computer modelling, and have the required skills, we can also adjust the project accordingly.

You'll benefit from our world-leading expertise in photonics, microfabrication, and quantum technologies, and enjoy working in our group's highly supportive environment in Southampton. You'll also collaborate with partner groups across the UK National Quantum Technology Programme.

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: Professor James Gates MPhys, PhD Professor of Photonic Engineering

Professor James Gates MPhys, PhD

• Professor James Gates MPhys, PhD: Professor of Photonic Engineering

Supervisors

• Supervisors: Professor Chris Holmes MPhys, PhD, CEng, CPhys, FInstP, FHEA Professor

Professor Chris Holmes MPhys, PhD, CEng, CPhys, FInstP, FHEA

• Professor Chris Holmes MPhys, PhD, CEng, CPhys, FInstP, FHEA: Professor

Entry requirements

You must have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent .

Desirable skills:

• interest in photonics, microfabrication, and quantum technologies

Fees and funding

Funding is available on a competitive basis through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton.

UK students receive a 4 year UKRI TechFirst tax-free stipend of £30,000 per year. Studentships at the UKRI minimum rate are available for EU, Horizon Europe and International students.

Overseas students who have or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

While undertaking your research project, you'll also receive substantial training in scientific, technical and commercial skills.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for PhD Quantum Tech Eng
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email the Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering (qte@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Professor James Gates (J.Gates@soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas