About the Project
Supervisor: Professor Jize Yan
Can light perform artificial intelligence computations faster and more efficiently than conventional electronics? This project will develop intelligent, reconfigurable metasurfaces that manipulate light to perform computation directly. Combining nanophotonics, artificial intelligence and advanced materials, the research aims to create compact, ultrafast, energy-efficient optical computing technologies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving unprecedented demand for computing power and energy. Conventional electronic processors face increasing challenges in computational speed, power consumption and data movement. Optical computing offers an exciting alternative by exploiting the intrinsic speed, parallelism and information-processing capabilities of light.
This PhD project will investigate how engineered nanostructures, known as metasurfaces, can perform mathematical operations directly in the optical domain. Building on our research in large-area metasurfaces, meta-photonics and optical information processing, the project will develop new architectures for programmable and reconfigurable optical computing.
The research will focus on three interconnected areas:
- computational photonics: developing physical and mathematical models for optical operations, including matrix transformations, signal processing and neural network functions
- intelligent metasurface design: using electromagnetic simulation, inverse design and machine learning to optimise optical nanostructures for high computational efficiency and accuracy
- reconfigurable optical hardware: investigating active materials and switching mechanisms, followed by device fabrication and experimental characterisation.
You will have opportunities to work with advanced photonic simulation tools, cleanroom nanofabrication facilities and optical measurement systems at the University of Southampton.
The project will also benefit from our wider research collaborations across academia and industry, providing exposure to emerging technologies in AI hardware, photonic integration and semiconductor manufacturing.
The ultimate goal is to establish new physical computing architectures capable of delivering high-speed, energy-efficient and scalable optical information processing.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in one of the following:
- electronic engineering
- photonics
- physics
- or related disciplines
Essential:
- good mathematical and analytical skills
Desirable:
- experience in one or more of the following areas: cleanroom, photonics, semiconductor devices, numerical simulation or AI algorithms
Application requirements:
Please email the following documents to Professor Jize Yan (j.yan@southampton.ac.uk):
- an academic CV
- academic transcripts
- English Language test results (for international candidates)
- a research proposal of up to 300 words outlining their understanding of the project, proposed research ideas, and potential approaches. References are excluded from the word count.
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
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- research proposal
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, j.yan@southampton.ac.uk
The School of Electronics and Computer Science 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.