The Photonics team at the University of Kent conducts cutting-edge research in optical sensing, ultrafast photonic imaging, microwave photonics, and optical intelligent computing, addressing challenges in communications, biomedical diagnostics, energy, defence, and industrial monitoring.

What we do

Our research focuses on the development of next-generation photonic technologies that enable measurements and signal processing beyond the limits of conventional electronic systems. Key research themes include:

• Optical fibre and photonic sensors
  Ultra-sensitive sensing for structural health monitoring, hydrogen safety, energy systems, and industrial environments.
• Ultrafast optical imaging and time-stretch systems
  High-speed imaging and signal acquisition for biomedical diagnostics and dynamic physical processes.
• Microwave photonics and RF sensing
  Photonic techniques for wideband RF generation, detection, and spectrum awareness.
• Optical and photonic intelligent computing
  Photonic reservoir computing and hardware-efficient machine learning for high-throughput sensing and imaging applications.

The Photonics Lab hosts state-of-the-art experimental platforms for high-speed and high-sensitivity photonics research, including:

• Ultrafast laser and time-stretch systems
• High-bandwidth oscilloscopes and RF instrumentation
• Optical fibre sensing and microcavity platforms
• Microwave photonics and optical fibre communications

Our approach

We adopt a systems-level approach, integrating:

• Advanced photonic hardware and instrumentation
• High-speed electronics and signal acquisition
• Data-driven and AI-enabled processing
• Close collaboration with industry, healthcare, and government partners

This enables us to translate lab-scale innovations into robust, application-ready technologies.