The University of Bristol is offering a PhD research opportunity focused on developing optically controlled radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits using laser-induced plasmas in silicon. The project combines photonics, semiconductor fabrication, electromagnetic modeling, and high-frequency electronics to develop advanced RF switches, attenuators, and phase shifters.
The studentship is open to UK students only, with funding advertised as an EPSRC standard award.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application Deadline: December 23, 2026
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Qualification: PhD
- Funding Type: EPSRC standard award
Organization
University: University of Bristol
School: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Research Group: Photonics and Quantum Research Group
Research Supervisor: Professor Martin Cryan
Location / Study Destination
Bristol, England, United Kingdom.
Who Can Apply
Country Eligibility: UK Students Only.
The project is specifically advertised for UK students. International applicants are not included in the stated eligibility.
The research is particularly relevant to candidates interested in electrical and electronic engineering, radio-frequency circuits, photonics, semiconductor technologies, and electromagnetic modeling.
The advertisement does not specify a minimum degree classification or detailed academic entry criteria.
Key Benefits / Funding
- Funding: EPSRC standard award.
- Research Supervision: Work under Professor Martin Cryan.
- Research Facilities: Access to advanced circuit design, semiconductor fabrication, and high-frequency testing facilities.
- Research Environment: Membership in the Photonics and Quantum Research Group, comprising approximately 50 academics, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students.
- Technical Training: Experience in electromagnetic simulation, cleanroom fabrication, integrated circuit development, and on-wafer testing.
The advertisement identifies the funding as an EPSRC standard award but does not provide a specific stipend amount, funding duration, or breakdown of tuition fee coverage.
Main Requirements
The PhD aims to advance a silicon-based RF integrated circuit technology that uses optically induced plasmas to create photoconductive switches.
The technology combines low-cost lasers with silicon integrated circuits fabricated at the University of Bristol. Previous research has demonstrated operation at frequencies up to 250 GHz and power levels up to 20 watts, alongside high linearity and low intermodulation distortion.
The project will build on more than ten years of research at Bristol, with an emphasis on making the technology easier to package and scale.
Key Research Activities
- Electromagnetic Modeling: Simulate and optimize high-frequency integrated circuit structures and their performance.
- Silicon Device Fabrication: Develop and fabricate devices using cleanroom manufacturing facilities.
- Optically Controlled Switching: Investigate photoconductive switches activated by laser-induced plasmas in silicon.
- RF Component Development: Improve switches, attenuators, and phase shifters for RF and millimeter-wave applications.
- On-Wafer Testing: Characterize fabricated devices using high-frequency probe measurement techniques.
- Scalable Packaging: Develop packaging approaches that support broader implementation of the technology.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply for the advertised PhD project through the University of Bristol’s postgraduate research application process.
Application steps:
- Review the project and confirm eligibility under the UK-only funding restriction.
- Consider how your academic background and research interests align with RF integrated circuits, photonics, and semiconductor fabrication.
- Identify the project under Professor Martin Cryan and the Photonics and Quantum Research Group.
- Follow the University of Bristol’s PhD application instructions.
- Submit the application by December 23, 2026.
Important Notes
- UK-Only Eligibility: The position is advertised exclusively for UK students.
- Funding Details: The advertised funding is an EPSRC standard award. The precise stipend, duration, and fee coverage should be confirmed with the university.
- Established Research: The project builds on more than a decade of RF and photonics research at Bristol.
- Experimental and Computational Work: The research combines electromagnetic modeling, cleanroom fabrication, and on-wafer testing.
- High-Frequency Technology: The underlying technology has demonstrated operation up to 250 GHz and testing at 20 watts.
- Research Facilities: Students will have access to specialized design, fabrication, and testing infrastructure.
- Research Group: The successful candidate will join the Photonics and Quantum Research Group under Professor Martin Cryan.