Photonics

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At the University of Glasgow, researchers shape the future of light-based technologies in a rich and increasingly interdisciplinary portfolio. Our photonics researchers can be found in the Schools of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Computing Science and the James Watt School of Engineering. The photonics portfolio at the University of Glasgow includes:

1. Quantum and Ultrafast Photonics

Glasgow hosts world-leading activity in quantum optics, quantum information processing, and ultrafast photonics, spanning from photon-pair generation and single-photon detectors to quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and integrated photonic circuits. Research groups explore quantum imaging, communication, and computation, as well as low-energy cryogenic quantum devices and quantum materials for energy applications.

2. Biophotonics and Imaging Technologies

Cutting-edge optical imaging platforms bridge photonics, life sciences, and healthcare. Expertise includes multiphoton, light-sheet, Raman and fluorescence lifetime microscopy, time-correlated single-photon counting, and computational or motion-tolerant in vivo imaging. These tools are applied to cardiac and neuro-photonics, immune cell diagnostics, pathogen identification, and functional tissue imaging.

3. Optical Materials, Semiconductors and Devices

From organic semiconductors to III–V photodetectors and metamaterials, researchers engineer materials for next-generation light sources, sensors and energy harvesting. Work encompasses ultrafast spectroscopy, photon statistics, photoluminescent nanomaterials, gallium nitride lasers, and photonic crystal waveguides. There is strong coupling between materials chemistry, physics and device engineering.

4. Photonic Sensors and Environmental Technologies

Photonics is also driving innovation in biosensing, environmental monitoring, and sustainable chemical processing. Efforts include laser-written microfluidic sensors, optical trapping for antibiotic susceptibility testing, and sonochemical and photocatalytic approaches to water remediation and waste recycling.

5. Computational, AI and Data-Driven Photonics

Artificial intelligence underpins advances across imaging, sensing, and design – from autonomous microscopy and digital twins of photonic systems to AI-optimised inverse design and multimodal data fusion. Researchers also develop AI for rapid image reconstruction and interpretation in muography and biomedical imaging.

6. Applied and Industrial Photonics

Photonics research at Glasgow extends to real-world safety, inspection, and communication technologies. Highlights include cosmic ray muography for non-destructive testing and infrastructure monitoring, optical communications, and integrated quantum and photonic sensors for healthcare, aerospace, and energy. Recent spin-out companies working with photonics and quantum include Kelvin Nanotechnology (KNT), Vector Photonics, II-V Epi, and Lynkeos Technology. Through its leadership in the Photonics & Quantum Accelerator consortium, the University is helping to grow Scotland’s photonics sector – targeting job creation, regional innovation and a multi-billion-pound industry cluster.

The University of Glasgow offers a uniquely interdisciplinary photonics ecosystem, linking quantum physics, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences. Across these themes, DiveIn students can co-create projects that span fundamental light–matter science to real-world applications in healthcare, sustainability, and quantum technology – exemplifying mission-driven, diversity-led research at scale.

Related Areas: Radiation Sensing, Biomedical Optics.