Terahertz frequency devices for future communication systems

High data throughput wireless communication systems are central to our lives and livelihoods. Data traffic is increasing exponentially, with the fastest-growing part of this increase being on wireless channels, as mobile users increasingly make use of online services.  This is unsustainable using state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, and further compounded by the shortage of allocable electromagnetic spectrum into which current radio frequency and microwave wireless communications can grow. <br /> <br /> As part of a £7M research programme between the Universities of Leeds, Swansea and UCL, we are developing the first high throughput wireless communication systems operating at terahertz carrier frequencies for both terrestrial and low-earth-orbit satellite application.  These would enable a two orders-of-magnitude increase in data rates over state-of-the-art radio frequency and microwave systems, beyond 100 Gbit/s and towards 1 Tbit/s. 

<p>A range of potential PhD projects are associated with this research programme, which can be tailored to the interests and background of the candidate.  For example, at the heart of the proposed communication system is the quantum cascade laser (QCL), a semiconductor device comprising more than 1000 separate layers, each patterned with atomic monolayer precision.  Edge- and surface-emitting QCLs tuned to atmospheric windows, with suitable output powers, beam quality and operational temperatures need to be developed, and a PhD project in this area would involve the candidate gaining extensive experience in semiconductor device modelling, device fabrication, and electrical and optical characterisation of the lasers.  Aligned research projects are available focussing on other aspects of the communication systems including developing new terahertz amplitude and phase-resolved coherent detectors, as well as fast optical and electrical signal modulation methodologies.</p> <p>These projects would suit an applicant with a good first degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or an aligned subject. </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Terahertz frequency devices for future communication systems </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/298/professor-giles-davies-freng">Professor Giles Davies</a>, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/622/dr-joshua-freeman">Dr Joshua Freeman</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/333/professor-edmund-linfield">Professor Edmund Linfield</a> as your proposed supervisor and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Electronic & Electrical Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 2 funded places available to UK applicants only and this project is in competition with at least 2 other projects to secure this funding.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Giles Davies by email to <a href="mailto:G.Davies@leeds.ac.uk">G.Davies@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office by email to to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>