We specialise in developing novel photonic materials, waveguide devices, and laser systems for application in remote sensing, defence, manufacturing, and metrology.
Our group investigates novel laser sources with an emphasis on the advantages of a planar functional media geometry, capitalising on the geometric compatibility with high-power diode-laser pump sources.
Our vision is to extend the current parameter space available for solid-state laser architectures – from waveguides to cryogenically cooled gain media, through materials research, novel waveguide devices, and composite engineering; whilst paying particular attention to key characteristics of lasers – their power, spectrum, polarisation, temporal, and spatial qualities.
Predominantly utilising crystalline media, we are exploring exciting opportunities not achievable via standard approaches. This for example, enables operation of weak laser transitions at wavelengths not typically available to conventional laser designs. While emerging applications continue to be a foundation for new developments, our current emphasis is placed on increasing the range of accessible wavelengths and demonstrating power-scalable solutions in both pulsed and CW laser regimes.
The following postgraduate research projects are open for applications:
Table-top cryogenic lasers Advanced crystal-film engineeringMy PhD research focuses on the nanofabrication of novel dielectric crystalline grating components for spatial, polarisation, and spectral control in high-power lasers.
