Free space optical information processing, light emitting and detection

Different from photonic integrated circuits on chip, optical meta-devices and systems are emerging as promising flat optical platforms which are able to process light information, emit and detect light all in free space. Novel optical features and associated device functions can be engineered by combining advanced material properties and smartly designed surface geometries. This research area will potentially bring breakthrough in intelligent machine vision system and wireless light communications (namely Li-Fi) to be named a few.

Our work also involves interfacing with electronics. To fuel new ideas and the knowledge base in this fast moving area of research, we are looking for exceptionally motivated students with the ability to think analytically and work across various partners (for example within multiple EU- and EPSRC-funded projects within the research group). These DPhil studentships encompass several areas of research, from optics and electronics to nanofabrication, simulations and test-set-up building and programming. You must be willing to put in the effort to learn these skills in order to progress through the project. However, we are a thriving research group with a fun-loving and intensive work ethic that makes our students experts in their chosen field by the end of their DPhil.

An incoming DPhil student will have significant advantages: our experimental capability in this area is now set-up, and we have some of the most advanced instrumentation in the field. Our group has several individuals who can informally work with the student, so the student will not feel lost in their first few months.