Research highlights
Preserving DNA in everlasting memory crystals
Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully stored the full human genome (or complete set of DNA) onto a 5D memory crystal – an achievement which could hold the key to restoring life after extinction.
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Fitting an entire library into the palm of your hand
Scientists at the Optoelectronics Research Centre have developed a digital data storage solution that can contain the complete history of human knowledge – and is able to survive for billions of years.
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Using optical fibres to create a sustainable fuel supply
Multidisciplinary team has found a way to turn water into hydrogen fuel using optical fibres.
Research institutes, centres and groups
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Advanced Fibre Applications
We are dedicated to exploring advanced applications of cutting-edge optical fibres, with a special emphasis on hollow core fibres. These fibres are designed and fabricated by the Zepler Institute Microstructured Fibre group, while our group focuses on aspects of these newly-emerging fibres from the ‘user perspective’. -
Advanced Laser Laboratory
Advanced Laser Laboratory is a joint TRUMPF Laser UK and Optoelectronics Research Center (ORC) lab lead by Dr C. Codemard (TRUMPF) and Prof. M.N. Zervas (ORC) imbedded in the ORC, addressing fundamental fibre laser research issues. -
Advanced Solid-State Sources
The Advanced Solid-State Sources group develops novel approaches for scaling output power from lasers for use in a variety of applications including industrial manufacturing, medicine and defence. -
Antibody Drug Development
Our interdisciplinary research generates antibody-based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmunity. -
Computational Nonlinear Optics
We develop theoretical models and computer simulations for a wide range of photonics systems, such as optical fibres, integrated waveguides, and quantum technology. -
Distributed Optical Fibre Sensing
We design and develop novel optical fibre sensors capable of measuring temperature, strain, and vibration at thousands of points using a single strand of optical fibre. -
Fibre Bragg Gratings
We design and fabricate passive and active periodic fibre devices, including fibre Bragg gratings, for a variety of applications in photonics. -
Fibres and Communications
We develop new fibre technologies and explore their applications in areas including communications, sensing, lasers, materials processing and imaging. -
Functional Flexible Glass Group
We regard glass as an engineered component. We develop techniques and structures that enable micrometre‑level precision in both planar and microstructured glass forms, produced at metre‑scale lengths. -
Gas Photonics in Hollow Core Fibres
Hollow core fibres enable gas-light interactions over extended lengths, opening up diverse applications in high sensitivity gas sensing, novel wavelengths generation, and waveguide enhancement. -
High Power Fibre Lasers
The High Power Fibre Laser group, led by Professor Johan Nilsson, works on advanced fibre lasers for beam combination and sensing for lidar and net-zero aviation (pollution monitoring). -
Hollow Core Fibre
We are world-leaders in Hollow Core Optical Fibre research. Our ground-breaking fibres guide light at vacuum speeds and unprecedented intensities, enabling advances in telecoms, manufacturing, and sensing. -
Integrated Photonic Devices
Exploiting optical interactions at surfaces for bio/chemical analysis. -
Laser-Direct-Write (LDW) Technologies for Biomedical Applications
We explore the use of lasers to create sensors that can be used by a patient’s bedside to test for an underlying disease or a health condition. -
Multimode Photonics
Our research encompasses both fundamental optical physics as well as the design, fabrication and testing of fibre-based and on-chip devices for a broad range of applications. -
Nanophotonics Group
We perform fundamental optical physics and materials research. This is critical for the discovery and development of new and improved optoelectronic technologies. -
National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC)
NBIC is the central hub where academia, industry, government and public policy come together to tackle the grand challenges biofilms present, impacting $4 trillion in global economic activity. -
Nonlinear Semiconductor Photonics
We explore the development and optimization of new semiconductor material platforms for application in nonlinear photonics. -
Optical Engineering and Quantum Photonics Group
Led by Professor Peter Smith, our group specialises in the development and manufacture of novel optoelectronic devices for applications in quantum technology, integrated optical sensors and laser optics. -
Optical Fibre Communications
We find new ways to use and apply optical technologies in telecommunications. -
Optical Fibre Sensors and Devices
Our group develops a variety of innovative optical fibre devices and sensors. -
Photonic Systems, Circuits and Sensors Group
Our group’s research in photonics is helping the development of critical global technologies. -
Physical Optics
The Physical Optics Group is led by Professor Peter Kazansky. Research activities in the group are focused on adventurous and potentially high impact research in optics, quantum and physical electronics. -
Planar Waveguide and Slab Lasers
We specialise in developing novel photonic materials, waveguide devices, and laser systems for application in remote sensing, defence, manufacturing, and metrology. -
Pulsed Fibre Lasers
We specialise in developing pulsed laser technology for use in medicine, defence, renewable energy, and manufacturing. -
Quantum Theory and Technology
We explore the ultimate limits of light-matter interaction in nanophotonic devices, aiming to unlock the potential for advancements in quantum material engineering and high-precision sensing. -
Silica Fibre Fabrication
We conduct fundamental and applied research in the field of optical fibre technology. -
Silicon Photonics
The group works at the forefront of all aspects of silicon photonics. Our work ranges from fundamental study of devices and circuits to close collaboration with industry. -
Smart Lasers and Special Fibres
Our research vision is to revolutionise manufacturing in the digital era by developing the next generation of ‘smart’ fibre laser tools for medical and biosciences sectors. -
Ultrafast X-ray Group
Our group uses high-intensity femtosecond lasers to generate very short (attosecond) pulses of coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray radiation. This radiation can be used for imaging and spectroscopy at very small dimensions (<50nm) and at very fast timescales (<10fs).
