Topological photonic quasicrystals

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Dong-Yang WANG

This project will explore the use of photonic quasicrystals in building higher-dimensional topological phases. The research covers the mathematical framework development, photonic quasicrystals design, energy band calculation, sample fabrication, and experimental characterization.

Topological photonics is a rising field of research to embed topological invariants in optical materials. Such topological materials support robust light propagations protected by topology, and they serve as important ingredients for the future photonic technologies. Quasicrystal, as an intriguing phase of solid matter, lies between the crystalline solids and amorphous materials, and it owns unique symmetry characteristics to enable novel topological states engineering.

This project will explore the use of quasicrystals in building higher-dimensional topological phases. Major research effort will be devoted to the theoretical calculation and numerical simulations, and essential experimental and cleanroom fabrication activities will be involved.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

You are expected to have strong background and research interest in physics and mathematics.

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

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• 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

If you have a general question, feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk.

Project leader

For an initial conversation, d.y.wang@soton.ac.uk