Integrated photonic chips for neutral atom quantum computers

About the project

Join our dynamic research team to develop the photonic technology needed to scale neutral-atom quantum computers. In this PhD, you will design integrated photonic chips that generate, shape and steer the laser beams used to control arrays of individual atoms, combining cutting-edge photonics, quantum technology and computational modelling.

Neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezers are a promising platform for quantum computing, but scaling these systems to much larger numbers of atoms for more powerful quantum computers presents a major technological challenge: each atom must be precisely trapped, controlled and manipulated using laser light. Today, this relies largely on complex free-space optical systems involving lenses, mirrors and spatial light modulators, which become increasingly difficult to align and scale.

In this project, you will explore a different approach: putting the optical system onto a photonic chip. Instead of routing light through bulky free-space optics, integrated waveguides will deliver light to where it is needed, while structures such as Bragg gratings will shape and direct beams from the chip towards the atoms trapped in vacuum above its surface.

You will develop new photonic device concepts and use theoretical and numerical modelling to investigate capabilities including:

You will work in a collaborative research environment and will have the opportunity to interact with experimental researchers at the University of Southampton and the QCi3 National Quantum Technology Hub , connecting your computational designs with the challenges of real quantum-computing hardware.

• generating large arrays of optical tweezers;
• optimising beam shape and polarisation for simultaneous control of many atoms;
• integrated switching of optical beams; and
• dynamic beam steering for addressing individual atoms.

Dr Peter Horak

• Theory and simulation of nonlinear and quantum optics
• Laser pulse propagation and manipulation in optical fibres
• Quantum technology, integrated optics, optical resonators

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent .

If you are excited by photonics, quantum technologies and computational modelling, this project could be for you.

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30,000 per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. 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 or are transitioning into a new role. 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.

We are pleased to announce that for 2027/28 entry, specific Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) at the University of Southampton have been selected to be part of a pilot programme of funding for UK doctoral candidates launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Now managed by the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the funding is delivered through a strand of government’s new TechFirst skills programme. TechFirst will fund nationally, a stipend uplift for at least 500 domestic (UK only) doctoral students in priority technology areas over the next four years, strengthening the UK’s innovation pipeline and building a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem.

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
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• 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 our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Peter Horak (peh@orc.soton.ac.uk).

Research areas