About the project
Future Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centres will require highly sensitive, energy-efficient optical interconnects operating at unprecedented data rates. This project will explore novel integration approaches to combine III-V semiconductor heterostructures with silicon photonics to develop high-speed and avalanche photodetectors, enabling next-generation optical receivers for future communication systems.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscale data centres is driving demand for faster, more energy-efficient optical interconnect technologies. Silicon photonics has emerged as a leading platform for future co-packaged optics, providing scalable integration of optical communication functions. However, significant challenges remain in improving receiver sensitivity, reducing power consumption, and sustaining continued growth in data transmission capacity.
This project will investigate a new generation of high-speed and avalanche photodetectors based on III-V semiconductor heterostructures integrated with silicon photonic circuits. Leveraging emerging epitaxial growth techniques, the research will explore novel device architectures that enable precise control of optical absorption, carrier transport and avalanche multiplication, creating opportunities for highly sensitive and energy-efficient optical receivers.
You'll undertake research spanning semiconductor materials, device physics and photonic integration. A major focus of the project will be the growth and characterisation of advanced III-V heterostructures, together with the design and optimisation of doping profiles and junction architectures for photodetector applications. The project will investigate carrier transport, high-field effects, impact ionisation and avalanche processes in semiconductor devices, providing insights into the physics governing high-speed and high-sensitivity photodetection. This project offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple disciplines, combining materials growth, nanofabrication, device engineering and photonic integrated circuits. There will be opportunities to interact with our academic and industrial partners across the UK and internationally.
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.
