The Plasmonics Forum has been running since 2015, and it typically attracts over 100 participants from London, UK, Europe and beyond. It aims to engage and connect researchers and industry who work in the ever-expanding field of Plasmonics.

This year’s event will take place on 17 June 2025, at King’s College London.

The Plasmonics Forum is committed to showcasing the research of exceptional early career researchers (ECRs) working in the field. Continuing the tradition of the Plasmonics Forum, the majority of our speakers are ECRs, and we welcome applications for short talks and poster presentations.

Registration is free, but booking is essential.

Keynote Speaker

Gary Nichol, Thin Film Technology Group, NSG Group

The use of Advanced materials in the glass Industry

The use of advanced materials is transforming the glass industry, enabling innovations that address critical societal challenges. This presentation explores the pivotal role of coatings on glass, highlighting how these engineered surfaces can significantly alter the fundamental properties of glass to meet diverse needs. Applications include enhancing energy efficiency and generation, improving agricultural productivity, and advancing information technology. In addition to coatings, the talk will briefly examine the advanced materials integrated into the glass manufacturing process itself, offering a comprehensive view of how material science is shaping the future of glass.

Speaker Biography:

Gary graduated from Heriot-Watt University in 1988 with a degree in Physics with laser science. He began his career in the coatings R&D group at Pilkington, now part of the NSG Group, where he initially developed electroluminescent displays and electrochromic glazing. Transitioning from R&D, Gary took on a technical role focused on developing glass substrates for magnetic disc storage and ultra-thin glass for display applications.

In 2001, Gary returned to an R&D role in North America, leading efforts to develop solar control and anti-reflective coatings using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. Upon returning to the UK, he concentrated on magnetron sputtering, developing toughenable silver-based low emissivity coatings. During the photovoltaic market's significant growth in 2008, Gary managed a portfolio of projects targeting opportunities in both crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaics.

Currently, Gary is the Resource Group Manager for the Thin Film Technology Group, where he oversees a team of 30 R&D scientists in developing new coated products and processes for the NSG Group using magnetron sputtering, atmospheric pressure CVD, and wet chemistry techniques. He also holds the title of Honorary Professor of Practice at UCL.