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

Dr Rox Middleton

Dr Marie Rider

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

Dr Eric Lundgren

Charles Perek-Jennings (Supervisor: Professor Ventsislav Valev)

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.