
Dr James Millen
Senior Lecturer
Research interests
- Physics
Biography
James joined King’s in 2018 as a Lecturer in Advanced Photonics, founding the Levitated Nanophysics group. In 2017 James was awarded the David Bates Prize for his pioneering contributions to experimental and theoretical quantum optomechanics.
He completed his MSc in Physics at Imperial College London in 2007, and his Ph. D. in experimental atomic physics at Durham University in 2011, under the supervision of Dr. M. P. A. Jones. During this work he created the world’s first gas of ultra-cold strontium Rydberg atoms.
In 2011 James moved to University College London, to work with Prof. Peter Barker in the new field of levitated optomechanics. In pioneering work, they used focussed laser beams and optical cavities to cool and control the motion of charged silica nanoparticles. Together with Dr. Janet Anders they undertook a paradigmatic study into the non-equilibrium dynamics of a Brownian particle.
James was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship to work in the Quantum Nanophysics group of Prof. Markus Arndt at the University of Vienna between 2015-2018. The group developed techniques which will enable the exploration of the mass limit of quantum physics in uncharted regimes. While in Vienna, James pioneered the study of rotational optomechanics, developing the most frequency stable mechanical object ever created.
Public Engagement
To complement his research, James has fostered a keen interest in Outreach, Public Engagement, and Science Communication, and is currently Lecturer in Quantum Theory to the Public at the Royal Institution. He runs The Quantum Workshop mobile experiment, has written for the Guardian and Physics World, and has acted as scientific advisor for two BBC documentaries. More details can be found on his personal websites:
Research: www.levi-nano.com
Outreach: www.thequantumworkshop.com
Twitter: @QuantumWorkshop
Research interests
- Opto- and electro-mechanics
- Nano-thermodynamics
- Macroscopic quantum physics
Research

Photonics & Nanotechnology
The research in the group involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy.
News
Experiment reveals light rotating objects in a direction never seen before
Whirlpools of light exert force 100,000 times greater than seen before in possible breakthrough for the optical manipulation of matter and quantum...
King's researchers celebrate the International Day of Light at Science Gallery London
The Department of Physics and the London Institute for Advanced Light Technologies (LIALT) hosted 'Guiding Lights' at Science Gallery London on 16 May 2022 to...
Seeing the Unthinkable – King's Artists project combines quantum physics and art to explore the invisible
A collaboration between an artist and a scientist that makes information ‘hidden’ inside objects accessible to anyone.

Exploring collaborations between physicists and artists
Science Gallery London exhibition highlights partnerships with King's artists in residence

Testing Ground opens at Science Gallery London
New exhibition changes the ways we think about our invisible connections – to the cosmos, to nanoparticles, and to each other.

Eleven new King's Artists projects exploring the theme of 'Intelligence'
The 2021 King’s Artists cohort will be exploring the theme of ‘Intelligence’ in eleven new collaborative R&D projects across four King’s College London...

Quantum circuits with a levitated heart
The latest development in this UKRI and European Research Council-funded project explores how the motion of charged microparticles can be detected and...

Nanostrand newsletter available for download
Nanostrand is the newsletter for the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group and the Biological Physics and Soft Matter Group in the Department of Physics.

Physics laboratories reopen
Experimental researchers are returning to the socially distanced laboratories as lockdown measures have been eased.

King's LeviTech project receives €150,000 ERC grant funding
Through its use of innovative levitation techniques, the project will apply the principles of quantum science to technology – paving the way to revolutionise...

Events

Light & Matter Seminar: Professor Edward Laird - A coherent mechanical oscillator pumped by a suspended quantum dot
Part of the Light & Matter Series hosted by the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group
Please note: this event has passed.

Light & Matter Seminar: Professor Jeremy Baumberg - Massively enhancing optical forces at the metal-molecule interface
Part of the Light & Matter Series hosted by the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group
Please note: this event has passed.

Guiding Lights
The London Institute for Advanced Light Technology presents Guiding Lights at the Science Gallery London
Please note: this event has passed.

Age of Light [POSTPONED]
A unique interdisciplinary symposium to celebrate the universal power of light
Please note: this event has passed.
Research

Photonics & Nanotechnology
The research in the group involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy.
News
Experiment reveals light rotating objects in a direction never seen before
Whirlpools of light exert force 100,000 times greater than seen before in possible breakthrough for the optical manipulation of matter and quantum...
King's researchers celebrate the International Day of Light at Science Gallery London
The Department of Physics and the London Institute for Advanced Light Technologies (LIALT) hosted 'Guiding Lights' at Science Gallery London on 16 May 2022 to...
Seeing the Unthinkable – King's Artists project combines quantum physics and art to explore the invisible
A collaboration between an artist and a scientist that makes information ‘hidden’ inside objects accessible to anyone.

Exploring collaborations between physicists and artists
Science Gallery London exhibition highlights partnerships with King's artists in residence

Testing Ground opens at Science Gallery London
New exhibition changes the ways we think about our invisible connections – to the cosmos, to nanoparticles, and to each other.

Eleven new King's Artists projects exploring the theme of 'Intelligence'
The 2021 King’s Artists cohort will be exploring the theme of ‘Intelligence’ in eleven new collaborative R&D projects across four King’s College London...

Quantum circuits with a levitated heart
The latest development in this UKRI and European Research Council-funded project explores how the motion of charged microparticles can be detected and...

Nanostrand newsletter available for download
Nanostrand is the newsletter for the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group and the Biological Physics and Soft Matter Group in the Department of Physics.

Physics laboratories reopen
Experimental researchers are returning to the socially distanced laboratories as lockdown measures have been eased.

King's LeviTech project receives €150,000 ERC grant funding
Through its use of innovative levitation techniques, the project will apply the principles of quantum science to technology – paving the way to revolutionise...

Events

Light & Matter Seminar: Professor Edward Laird - A coherent mechanical oscillator pumped by a suspended quantum dot
Part of the Light & Matter Series hosted by the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group
Please note: this event has passed.

Light & Matter Seminar: Professor Jeremy Baumberg - Massively enhancing optical forces at the metal-molecule interface
Part of the Light & Matter Series hosted by the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group
Please note: this event has passed.

Guiding Lights
The London Institute for Advanced Light Technology presents Guiding Lights at the Science Gallery London
Please note: this event has passed.

Age of Light [POSTPONED]
A unique interdisciplinary symposium to celebrate the universal power of light
Please note: this event has passed.