PhD Studentship - Low-intensity nonlinear optics in THz regime

Supervisory Team: Vasilis Apostolopoulos, Vassili Fedotov, Malgosia Kaczmarek

Project description

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the University of Southampton in the U.K between the Physics and Astronomy department and the Zepler Institute.

We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join our group and pursue experimental research and numerical modelling of the nonlinear optics in the THz regime. Candidates should have a strong undergraduate background in physics or material science.

The project will explore liquid crystals and organic thin films and their use for THz beam manipulation, exploring their strong interaction with artificially micro- and nano-structured surfaces (meta-surfaces). The PhD student will design new experimental and modelling characterisation procedures to study the underlying physics of strong light-matter interaction and measure the localised enhancement of the electric field and the spatially dependant material parameters. This multidisciplinary PhD project offers a good balance of fundamental and applied science, uniting the two in order to take forward our groups' successful research in THz photonics and liquid crystal devices. It will enable enhanced functionality THz devices by allowing nonlinear interactions in the low intensity regime, giving the possibility to develop better performing THz modulators and polarising components.

Applicants (UK/EU) interested in this fully funded project and position are encouraged to contact the supervisors prior to submitting a formal application. Please send a single PDF consisting of a cover letter (with the details of your degree and motivation) and a CV that includes contact information for your referees, by email to: v.apostolopoulos@soton.ac.uk and copying mkf@soton.ac.uk and vaf@orc.soton.ac.uk

Application deadline: the position will be advertised until filled, but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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 2021 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), 2021/22, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select PhD Physics (Full time). In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Vasilis Apostolopoulos

Applications should include:

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

Apply online

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

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.