University of Oxford researchers at the forefront of development

From quantum photonics and metrology to super-resolution optical imaging, biophotonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, sensing, and laser processing, Oxford offers both a diverse range of expertise and a vibrant photonics community in which to study and work. The Photonics Network was set up by researchers in Chemistry, Engineering, Materials, Physics and biomedical departments, to organise optics and photonics related events and a range of interdisciplinary collaborative work. Activities started in 2011 and have been growing ever since.  

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Oxford Photonics research areas

Biophotonics

BIOPHOTONICS

In biophotonics we aim to apply our optical expertise to the advancement of research on biological themes.
Imaging

IMAGING

Imaging is an important aspect of photonics research across many departments within the University
Spectroscopy

SPECTROSCOPY

Spectroscopy is a key component of any optical toolkit, providing non-invasive monitoring of the composition of a sample. 
Materials and devices

MATERIALS AND DEVICES

Research into photonics materials and devices enable us to transfer our optical knowledge to a platform which is stable and easy to use
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OPTICAL PHYSICS

Research in optical physics allows us to understand the basic properties of light and its generation from a fundamental starting point, as well as forming an important precursor to future technology
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Photons

Photons provide both the briefest known events in the universe - optical pulses of order 10-16 seconds in duration - and the means to measure the age of the universe itself (1017 seconds) via the spectrum of microwave background radiation. The scope and use of photonics in the 21st century, over 50 years after the invention of the laser, is vast and continually expanding, as basic research in the generation, manipulation, interaction, and detection of light fuels scientific discovery, the creation of novel applications, and the invention and engineering of new materials and devices for use in our everyday lives.

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Oxford Photonics people

David Stuart

David Stuart

I use the techniques of X-ray crystallography and X-ray microscopy to study the structural biology of viruses.
Jin-Chong Tan

Jin-Chong Tan

I lead the Multifunctional Materials & Composites (MMC) Lab, where we develop nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor

I am interested in the optical properties of materials, particularly in the areas of nanotechnology and quantum computing.
sarah thomas 113

Sarah Thomas

My research interests are Photonic quantum technologies, Quantum networks, Light-matter interactions, Quantum memories
alice thorneywork

Alice Thorneywork

Our research interests lie in the areas of experimental soft matter and nanoscale systems
Claire Vallance

Claire Vallance

We employ novel time-of-flight imaging methods to study photon-induced and electron-induced molecular fragmentation processes and to carry out chemically-resolved imaging of surfaces.
ian walmsley2

Ian Walmsley

Research interests: Quantum information and computation; quantum materials; quantum optics and ultra-cold matter
Ben Williams

Ben Williams

My research group develops and applies linear and non-linear optical diagnostic techniques to solve problems in thermofluids including heat transfer, mixing and combustion.

Latest news

Oxford Photonics Day 2026

Oxford Photonics Day 2025

Special Issue on Optics and Photonics at Oxford