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Project Title: Additive Manufacture of Optical Fibre Preforms
Optical fibre is the pinnacle of silica glass technology and has revolutionized worldwide communication. This PhD project looks at the next Chapter of optical fibre fabrication through use and development of ‘melt-pool’ Additive Manufacture (AM).
Benefits of AM is well acknowledged, including reduced waste, short production cycles and new design capability. However, due to many challenges, glass 3D printing is still in the early stage of development. Using a newly developed approach [1] this project aims to explore new, unconventional ways for glass-based device fabrication. It will focus on highly customized materials and feedstocks, suitable for laser-based glass 3D printing.
The means of such rapid fabrication of a highly tailored optical device is considered a game-changer in industry and science. The project will develop your skills in cleanroom manufacture including optical fibre drawing, laser processing, additive manufacture and material analysis.
The research shall be conducted in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden) and University of Southampton, UK, with opportunities for International conference travel and research in Sweden.
[1] Pawel Maniewski, Fredrik Laurell, and Michael Fokine, ‘Quill-free additive manufacturing of fused silica glass’, Optical Materials Express, Vol. 12, Issue 4, pp. 1480-1490 (2022)
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Christopher Holmes, OEQP Research Group, Email: christopher.holmes@southampton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4532.
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 2023 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 £20,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, 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 Christopher Holmes
Applications should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
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.
