More data, less energy: multicore fibre amplifiers and components for future submarine networks

About the project

The internet’s next big leap could happen beneath the oceans. Meta’s planned petabit-scale cable signals a new era for multicore fibres. At Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), where researchers pioneered the first practical erbium-doped fibre amplifier, you’ll design and test next-generation multicore amplifiers and components, helping global networks carry more data with less electrical power.

Every video call, streamed film and online game relies on a hidden network. Deep beneath the oceans, optical fibre cables link continents and carry almost all intercontinental internet traffic. As demand for data grows, a major question emerges: how can we send more information without using more energy?

The industry is already taking the next step. In 2026, Meta announced Petal, a planned transatlantic cable designed to carry one petabit of data per second using multicore fibres, with service expected in 2029. These fibres contain several paths for light within a single strand, allowing more data to travel through each fibre. However, signals fade over long distances and must be boosted by optical amplifiers, which operate under strict power limits at sea.

You'll explore new ways to amplify multiple light signals using less electrical power. Combining modelling with hands-on experiments, you'll design, build and test multicore fibre amplifiers and optical components to help future submarine networks increase capacity while reducing energy use and cost. At Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), Sir David Payne and colleagues pioneered the world’s first practical erbium-doped fibre amplifier (EDFA), transforming long-distance communications. Building on this legacy, you will help develop tomorrow’s optical amplifiers in ORC’s specialist laboratories.

The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Dr Yongmin Jung

• Specialty opitcal fibre (multicore/multimode/hollow-core) technology
• Laser beam shaping and control
• Ultrastable lasers for quantum optics

Supervisors

• Supervisors: SL Dr Sijing Liang Senior Research Fellow

Dr Sijing Liang

• Dr Sijing Liang: Senior Research Fellow

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of the following:

No previous multicore fibre experience is required.

• physics
• photonics
• engineering

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages .

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

Applications should include:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Yongmin Jung (ymj@orc.soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas