Soft-Matter Routes to Optically Directed 3D Plasmonic Metamaterials

This PhD project will develop soft-matter routes to optically directed 3D plasmonic metamaterials, formed by coupling structured optical fields with nanoparticle–polymer interactions in dynamic supramolecular gels. The student will investigate how patterned illumination can guide in situ formation of nanoparticle architectures and how these structures support collective plasmonic modes with potential applications in sensing, spectroscopy and bio-photonic light harvesting. The project combines experimental nanophotonics, optical and spectroscopic characterisation, and electromagnetic simulations, and will be embedded within the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group at King's College London. The work will involve collaborations with experts in optical field structuring, soft-matter chemistry and phototrophic systems, and will be connected to the national MetaHub programme on advanced metamaterials. The studentship is suited to applicants with a background in physics, photonics, materials science or a related discipline, and an interest in experimental research at the interface of light and nanomaterials.