About the PhD Project

This project involves artificial-intelligence-based approaches to retrieving information from obscured interactions of targets with high-power laser beams, and the lasers. The main objectives are:

• Realisation of artificial-intelligence system for obscured target information retrieval.
• Realisation and characterisation of suitable lasers, including multi-functional and / or phased-array fibre lasers.
• Lab tests on different targets.

Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of laser-based energy transfer technologies in defence and related sectors? The Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub.

When a laser beam interacts with a target, the interaction often creates a plume. This can obscure the target, making it difficult to retrieve target information to determine how effective the interaction is. In case of a multi-functional laser, target information also helps in selecting the functionality. This applies to industrial laser processing as well as to defence and security applications.

You will research both artificial-intelligence-based approaches to retrieving information from obscured interactions of targets with high-power laser beams, and the lasers you will use. As your research progresses, the lasers will gradually evolve in capability towards high-power multi-functional fibre arrays.

You will acquire expertise in artificial intelligence, lasers and laser arrays, and control.

 The main objectives of this project are: 

• Realisation of an artificial intelligence (machine-learning-based) system for obscured target information retrieval.
• The experimental realisation and characterisation of suitable lasers, including multi-functional and / or phased-array fibre lasers.
• Lab tests on different targets.

The ORC is a world-leading photonics research institution with over 350 members. The ORC has a large cleanroom complex, a large number of well-equipped laser labs and strong connections to industry and government research. 

The industrial partner, NKT Photonics, will provide additional PhD supervision (co-supervisor Dr Adam Devine) and a placement. NKT Photonics is a leading supplier of high-performance fibre lasers. 

The Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub specialises in developing research and training the next generation of leaders in energy transfer technologies for defence and related sectors. The successful candidate will benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a community of students working towards similar goals, and our specialist industrial network. 

Why Join Us?

• Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing placement opportunities to work and train alongside industry experts
• Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry
• Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises
• Funding: A generous fully funded studentship (no fees and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and extended placement with industry collaborators.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

Funding: Four year studentship is open to UK Nationals and is available for home students only. The generous funding package includes full tuition fees and an enhanced stipend of £25,780 per annum, as well as £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. It is funded by EPSRC, MoD, and NKT Photonics UK.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The Hub is committed to improving diversity within the sector and as such we aim to provide an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, and students from low-income/ non-typical backgrounds to apply. We can also consider part time PhD students. We encourage and support talented individuals from various STEM backgrounds with ambition and an interest in making a difference.

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