Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics

Location:  Highfield Campus
Closing Date:  Wednesday 31 August 2022
Reference:  1728022PN

Supervisory Team:    Professor Goran Mashanovich (UoS/ZIPN)

Mid-infrared photodetectors for medical and environmental sensors

Co-Supervisor: Dr Milos Nedeljkovic (UoS/ZIPN)
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Graham Reed (UoS/ZIPN)

Project description

Silicon Photonics is set to become a key solution for miniaturised optical sensing in the mid-infrared wavelength range. In the mid-infrared molecules have strong absorption fingerprints, enabling specific and sensitive detection of many substances. Integrating whole photonic systems onto silicon chips would enable high performance optical sensors that could be mass-manufactured, benefitting a plethora of new applications.

The successful applicant would join a world leading Silicon Photonics research group of 40 postdocs and PhD students, and would work in close cooperation with the new EPSRC funded £5.8 million programme grant “MISSION” (Mid- Infrared Silicon Photonic Sensors for Healthcare and Environmental Monitoring), which involves several UK and international academic, clinical, and industrial partners, and seeks to develop sensors for 1) Therapeutic drug monitoring in patients’ blood, 2) Rapid cancer diagnosis from blood samples, and 3) Ocean monitoring (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O detection).

A crucial enabling component for these sensors will be waveguide integrated photodetectors that can convert optical signals into electronic ones. We have recently demonstrated low cost Si and Ge - based mid-IR detectors. We are looking for a candidate to build on these first demonstrations by extending their operation to new wavelengths, increase their responsivity, and to explore their use by integrating them into photonic integrated circuits for sensing.

The work would involve opto-electronic simulation and design, device fabrication in our world class academic cleanroom complex, and characterisation in our state-of-the-art photonics laboratories. Experience in electronics, photonics, physics, or materials science is desirable. 

For eligible UK applicants, a fully funded PhD place on this project is available supported by an EPSRC Studentship, which comes with a stipend of up to £18,000 (tax-free) with fees paid. For any further information or informal discussion, please contact Prof. Goran Mashanovich (g.mashanovich@soton.ac.uk, https://zepler.soton.ac.uk/people/gm1a11), or Dr Milos Nedeljkovic (m.nedeljkovic@soton.ac.uk, https://zepler.soton.ac.uk/people/mn3m11),or Prof. Graham Reed (g.reed@soton.ac.uk, https://zepler.soton.ac.uk/people/gr1a11).

 Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2022 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,609 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. 

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2022/23, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD  ORC (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Goran Mashanovich 

Applications should include: 

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

The School of Zepler Institute 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.