Photonics
The Photonics Group is involved in
studies of opto-electronic devices, sub-systems and systems ranging
from semiconductor lasers and liquid crystal wavelength division
multiplex filters to millimetre-wave over fibre broadband access
systems, with close interactions with industry and other leading
research groups around the world.
Our ability to explore
fundamental physics of new opto-electronic devices through to
high-speed optical systems research is a particular strength, and
unique among UK universities. The Group's announced new grant and
contract income over the period 2003 to 2008 was over £ 10 million
and is on a rising trend.
In work on ultra-fast photonics we
have played a leading part in wireless over fibre broadband access
research, optical frequency synthesis and novel InP based laser,
modulator and regenerator device design and fabrication. In work on
optical devices and systems we have developed low cost, high
capacity, short range transmission systems and are active in 2d
optics and advanced liquid crystal device research.
Our basic
opto-electronics research activities are important to the future
growth of the Group and of major importance in their own right. Our
work on time-resolved non-linear optical absorption in quantum well
devices has led to a range of ultra-fast optical processing devices.
Novel 2d optics research includes multimode polymer waveguide
backplane connector modelling and the application of liquid crystals
to microwave systems.
Experimental facilities include a new
Veeco molecular beam epitaxy system for the growth of advanced
compound semiconductors, housed in a new purpose built clean room,
comprehensive device processing capabilities including direct-write
e-beam lithography through our participation in the London Centre for
Nanotechnology, and a wide range of characterisation equipment
including photo-luminescence spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, optical
spectrum analysis, network and spectrum analysis to 110 GHz, vector
signal analysis and bit error rate measurement.
The Group has
extensive collaborative links with many other universities and
industry worldwide.
New Photonics Systems Research Programme - Studentships available
