Dr Kristina Rusimova (Research Group Leader)
We focus on studying the ways in which light and matter interact on the atomic scale. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), optical techniques, and speciality optical fibres, we explore light interactions with nanomaterials and probe the behaviour of single molecules and electrons on surfaces and in 2D materials, and of atoms in the vapour phase. Our work uncovers the nanoscale processes behind light emission and molecular reactions, while also advancing quantum optical applications involving alkali metal atoms.

Dr Soraya Caixero (Personal Page)
My research advances micro- and nanolasers for biological sensing and imaging, enabling sensitive biomolecule detection, early diagnosis, and cellular imaging. By enhancing their specificity, sensitivity, and integration on different optical platforms, I aim to create versatile, light-based tools through nanofabrication, chemistry, and photonics, addressing challenges in developmental biology, diagnostics, and clinical imaging.

Dr Said Ergoktas
I work on engineering thermal emission and terahertz light. My work combines the physics of 2D materials, metamaterials, and bioinspired structures with topological design to unlock new ways of controlling the light. I’m particularly interested in building photonic platforms and devices with practical applications such as topological optoelectronics and thermal management for radiative cooling and thermal camouflage.

Dr Rox Middleton
In my lab, we study of structures on the surface of biological (normally plant!) materials. We investigate how these interact with light snd heat through optical and material (Electron microscopy) characterisation. We also make our own new materials using biological materials, or through copying nature's engineering, in particular in self-assembly. We also do simulations of physical optics in order to learn more about the biological and engineered materials, and with the hope that nature's materials can teach us more about optical design.

Dr Marie Rider
I use classical and quantum theory approaches to study the rich and complex behaviour of matter interacting with light, predominantly at the nanoscale. My current research focuses on molecular polaritonics as a means to control and modify molecular systems, and I am particularly interested in using topological phenomena as an additional way of manipulating nanoscale light-matter systems.

Professor Ventsislav Valev
Our work focuses on the interaction between powerful laser light and nanostructured materials. Our main expertise is in building laser experiments for studying novel materials, such as nanostructures, metamaterials, 2D materials and quantum optical materials. We aim to discover new properties and to test theoretical predictions. Our focus is on the physics of photons, electrons and magnetism confined to tiny volumes of space – nanoparticles or 2D sheets.

Dr Habib Rostami
I am a theorist in condensed matter physics expert in quantum transport and quantum many-body problems stemming from disorder, electron-phonon, and Coulomb interactions. I study fundamental theoretical problems in quantum materials with the microscopic description of realistic physical properties. My main research experiences are on effective modelling of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and their heterostructures.

Professor William Wadsworth

Professor Daniel Wolverson

Dr Hoyeon Choi

Dr Ruidong Ji
My research focuses on characterizing the chirality of nanomaterials and molecules, as well as investigating interactions between various materials through nonlinear harmonic scattering effects. Currently, I am concentrating on hybrid nanohelices composed of silver (Ag) and silicon (Si) segments. By comparing the harmonic scattering properties of Ag, Si, and hybrid Si-Ag nanohelices across a broad range of wavelengths, I aim to explore the interplay between plasmonic and dielectric resonances. Understanding these interactions offers valuable insights into chirality measurements and contributes to advancements in broadband spectral and intensity tunability of chirality.

Dr Eric Lundgren
I research atoms and molecules at the nanoscale using scanning tunnelling microscopy and related techniques. I obtained my PhD from UCL and the London Center for Nanotechnology in 2023, where I studied precursor molecules for atomic bismuth doping in silicon, and the atomically precise doping of single bismuth atoms for quantum device fabrication. Here at Bath, I aim to bridge the gap between electronics and optics in molecular dynamics research. I am currently developing a scanning tunnelling luminescence microscope, capable of simultaneous electronic and light emission measurements on the scale of single atoms and photons.

Pieter Keenan (Supervisor: Dr Kristina Rusimova)
Using ultra high vacuum scanning tunnelling microscopes (STM), my research aims to experimentally push our fundamental understanding of atomic manipulation and chemical bonding on an atom-by-atom basis. I take advantage of automated measurements to investigate quantum mechanical processes, including by integrating light emission and spectroscopic techniques. This area of study has the ultimate aim of engineering matter on the atomic length scale.

John Kerr (Supervisor: Professor Ventsislav Valev)
My research focusses on enhancing the capability of Raman spectrometers using non-linear optical techniques. This involves working with industrial partners to improve existing systems as well as academic collaboration on photonic substrates, plasmonic nanostructures and interesting analytes. My work covers several Raman based techniques such as Surfaced Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Hyper Raman Scattering (HRS).

Brad Kerrigan (Supervisor: Professor Ventsislav Valev)

Hannah Martin (Supervisor: Dr Kristina Rusimova)
My research focus is understanding the manipulation of molecules on silicon surfaces. Using a scanning tunelling microscope (STM) I aim to control current-driven splitting of an individual atom from a bromobenzene molecule. This will improve understanding of the fundamental dynamics of breaking the bond. Furthermore, I aim to computationally model the surface/molecule system using density functional theory (DFT) to understand the interaction and how the STM itself may influence the molecule-surface system.

Charles Perek-Jennings (Supervisor: Professor Ventsislav Valev)
The goal of my research is to, using plasmonic nanoparticles, design and test systems for the control of alkali vapour pressure in light matter interaction systems. My research exploits the photothermal response of plasmonic nanoparticles to convert light into localised thermal energy. This promotes desorption of alkali atoms from their container walls, allowing for fine control of vapour density. Vapour density control is a valuable tool in utilising light matter interaction for phenomena such as coherent population trapping or electromagnetically induced transparency.

Rebecca Walters (Supervisor: Dr Kristina Rusimova)
The aim of my research is to fill hollow-core fibre with rubidium vapour in order to develop a platform for light - matter interactions which can be integrated with minimal loss to optical fibre networks. My research involves designing and fabricating fibre optimised for faster filling with rubidium, engineering techniques for filling the fibre, developing low-loss methods of integrating the fibre with conventional step-index fibre, as well as demonstrating light-matter interactions, such as electromagnetically induced transparency, within the filled fibre.