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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. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling.    

The research is centred around three overarching themes:

  • Functional nanoparticles and nanostructures
  • Nanophotonics, metamaterials and plasmonics
  • Ultrafast optics and optomechanics

Newsletter

Nanostrand is the newsletter for the Photonics & Nanotechnology Group. 

People

Stephane Azar

PhD candidate

Anton Bykov

Research Associate

PhD student

Henry  Cossey

PhD Student

Wayne Dickson

Reader in Experimental Nanophotonics

Projects

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CPLAS: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry: catalysis meets plasmonics

EPSRC programme grant investigating light-driven energy-conversion at the nanoscale for stimulating chemical transformations.

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iComm: New Frontiers in Nanophotonics: Integrating Complex Beams and Active Metasurface Devices

Transforming the areas of both complex optical beams and metasurfaces.

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LeviTeQ: Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics

The levitated nanophysics group at King’s College London run ERC Starting Grant LeviTeQ: Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics,.

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Reactive Plasmonics

Reactive Plasmonics is an EPSRC funded programme grant that researches nanoplasmonics.

Publications

    Activities

    Light & Matter Wavelength Spectrum
    Seminars

    The Light & Matter (L&M) seminars normally take place on Wednesdays at 14.00. All are welcome to attend. For more information and how to join click the link below:

    Charles Wheatstone
    Wheatstone Lecture Series

    The Wheatstone Lecture has been hosted annually by the Department of Physics since 2013. Sir Charles Wheatstone FRS (1802-75) was Professor of Experimental Philosophy at King's, and the first Professor in the Department from 1834 until his death in 1875. Polymath and self-taught, Wheatstone was a prolific inventor whose legacy includes the symphonium, the stereoscope, the Wheatstone Bridge and the development of the electric telegraph which revolutionised communications in the nineteenth century.

    News

    King's researchers showcase sustainability research at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

    The exhibit delves into the innovative use of light to power sustainable chemistry

    NanoGlow lab setup

    PhD student wins prize for outreach

    Vittorio Aita has been awarded the Alan Michette Prize recognising his significant contributions to physics outreach and departmental life.

    Vittorio Aita Optics Lab

    School students explore university physics with King's first Optics Summer School

    Twenty-three Year 12 students keen to explore physics beyond the classroom joined the first King’s Optics Summer School, which gave them insight into studying...

    One female student with 3 male students doing an experiment with light in a darkened room.

    “That's what scientists do, we explain the magic” - Nobel laureate speaks to Physics PhD students

    Donna Strickland 2018 Physics Nobel Laureate recorded a podcast during a visit to King's

    Donna Strickland and Physics PhD students

    Exploring collaborations between physicists and artists

    Science Gallery London exhibition highlights partnerships with King's artists in residence

    Seeing the Unthinkable

    Events

    14Apr

    Quantum Day 2025

    Join quantum researchers from across London to learn about the latest advances in quantum engineering, science and technology and how they are being used to...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    10Sep

    Nano for Humanity - Nanoday 2024

    Join us for Nanoday 2024, where we celebrate the amazing potential of nanotechnology for the betterment of humanity!

    Please note: this event has passed.

    08Sep

    UK Nanoday 2023

    UK Nanoday is hosted by the London Centre for Nanotechnology

    Please note: this event has passed.

    30May

    Photonics for Quantum and Net Zero

    International Day of Light Symposium hosted by London Light and the London Centre for Nanotechnology

    Please note: this event has passed.

    24May

    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.

    People

    Stephane Azar

    PhD candidate

    Anton Bykov

    Research Associate

    PhD student

    Henry  Cossey

    PhD Student

    Wayne Dickson

    Reader in Experimental Nanophotonics

    Projects

    Image missing an alt value
    CPLAS: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry: catalysis meets plasmonics

    EPSRC programme grant investigating light-driven energy-conversion at the nanoscale for stimulating chemical transformations.

    Image missing an alt value
    iComm: New Frontiers in Nanophotonics: Integrating Complex Beams and Active Metasurface Devices

    Transforming the areas of both complex optical beams and metasurfaces.

    Image missing an alt value
    LeviTeQ: Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics

    The levitated nanophysics group at King’s College London run ERC Starting Grant LeviTeQ: Levitated Nanoparticles for Technology and Quantum Nanophysics,.

    Image missing an alt value
    Reactive Plasmonics

    Reactive Plasmonics is an EPSRC funded programme grant that researches nanoplasmonics.

    Publications

      Activities

      Light & Matter Wavelength Spectrum
      Seminars

      The Light & Matter (L&M) seminars normally take place on Wednesdays at 14.00. All are welcome to attend. For more information and how to join click the link below:

      Charles Wheatstone
      Wheatstone Lecture Series

      The Wheatstone Lecture has been hosted annually by the Department of Physics since 2013. Sir Charles Wheatstone FRS (1802-75) was Professor of Experimental Philosophy at King's, and the first Professor in the Department from 1834 until his death in 1875. Polymath and self-taught, Wheatstone was a prolific inventor whose legacy includes the symphonium, the stereoscope, the Wheatstone Bridge and the development of the electric telegraph which revolutionised communications in the nineteenth century.

      News

      King's researchers showcase sustainability research at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

      The exhibit delves into the innovative use of light to power sustainable chemistry

      NanoGlow lab setup

      PhD student wins prize for outreach

      Vittorio Aita has been awarded the Alan Michette Prize recognising his significant contributions to physics outreach and departmental life.

      Vittorio Aita Optics Lab

      School students explore university physics with King's first Optics Summer School

      Twenty-three Year 12 students keen to explore physics beyond the classroom joined the first King’s Optics Summer School, which gave them insight into studying...

      One female student with 3 male students doing an experiment with light in a darkened room.

      “That's what scientists do, we explain the magic” - Nobel laureate speaks to Physics PhD students

      Donna Strickland 2018 Physics Nobel Laureate recorded a podcast during a visit to King's

      Donna Strickland and Physics PhD students

      Exploring collaborations between physicists and artists

      Science Gallery London exhibition highlights partnerships with King's artists in residence

      Seeing the Unthinkable

      Events

      14Apr

      Quantum Day 2025

      Join quantum researchers from across London to learn about the latest advances in quantum engineering, science and technology and how they are being used to...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      10Sep

      Nano for Humanity - Nanoday 2024

      Join us for Nanoday 2024, where we celebrate the amazing potential of nanotechnology for the betterment of humanity!

      Please note: this event has passed.

      08Sep

      UK Nanoday 2023

      UK Nanoday is hosted by the London Centre for Nanotechnology

      Please note: this event has passed.

      30May

      Photonics for Quantum and Net Zero

      International Day of Light Symposium hosted by London Light and the London Centre for Nanotechnology

      Please note: this event has passed.

      24May

      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.