About the project
This project advances amorphous nonlinear photonics by inducing second order optical nonlinearity in amorphous thin films for broadband, on-chip modulators and quantum devices. Combining design, simulation, thermal poling, microfabrication, and characterization, it develops scalable photonic platforms for communication, sensing, and quantum technologies such as on-chip photon pair generation.
Amorphous materials offer significant advantages for integrated photonics, including low-cost thin-film deposition, ease of patterning and etching, and compatibility with large-area and heterogeneous substrates. However, their use in electro-optic (EO) systems has been limited by the absence of second-order optical nonlinearity (χ²), which is essential for EO modulation and wavelength conversion.
We recently demonstrated stable induction of χ² nonlinearity in Nb2O5 amorphous thin films through thermal poling, achieving performance comparable to crystalline materials such as LiNbO₃ while remaining compatible with standard waveguide fabrication processes, including lithography, etching, cladding and metallisation. This provides a foundation for developing scalable amorphous nonlinear photonics.
This project aims to develop a scalable amorphous nonlinear photonic platform for broadband, high-performance on-chip modulators and spectrometers spanning visible, near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths. By introducing EO functionality into platforms that currently lack it, and combining them with heterogeneous integration, such as Silicon Photonics, the technology could advance optical communications, LIDAR, RF-over-fibre links, environmental sensing and biomedical spectroscopy.
The project will involve optical device design and simulation, thermal poling, microfabrication in our cleanrooms, and device characterisation and testing. It will also explore integrated quantum photonics through on-chip photon-pair sources based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion, with applications in quantum key distribution and random number generation.
By combining material innovation with application-driven photonic design, this research aims to enable multifunctional photonic chips with broad spectral coverage, scalable fabrication and robust nonlinear performance for next-generation optical and quantum technologies.
The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) 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.
