Photonics is an active and growing area of research within the Department with three groups investigating different aspects of photonics, applications, and materials whilst collaborating with each other and a variety of industrial partners. Detailed descriptions of the activities of each group can be found via the links below.

• Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics (CMMPE) combines research scientists from a number of different disciplines including organic chemistry, physics, and engineering. This enables fundamental research to be carried out in the design and synthesis of organic materials for the next generation of photonic and electronic applications.
• The Centre for Photonic Systems is led by Professor Richard Penty. The aim of the group is to study components and sub-systems for a range of applications, primarily in communications and sensing. The three main areas of focus are: data-communications and RF systems, optical networks, and ultrafast photonics.
• The Centre for Photonic Devices and Sensors has research focus embracing photonic and sensing devices, and functional materials, including their integration at system level. The group aims is to address future societal needs with new system functionalities through invention of novel device architectures based on in-depth understanding of basic material properties.