Condensed Matter and Photonics is a specialised research area within the Physics and Astronomy postgraduate research programmes (MPhil), bringing together researchers with complementary expertise to advance both fundamental physics and applied device development. The research focuses on understanding optical and electrical processes in organic and inorganic semiconductors, as well as metallic nanostructures, with the aim of improving knowledge of light–matter interactions, charge transport, and the development of new technologies and theoretical models.

The research activity is organised into several key themes, including photonics and biophotonics, quantum materials and devices, nanoscale science and technology, theory and computational physics, and imaging, sensors, and instrumentation. This interdisciplinary approach enables the development of innovative device concepts and high-sensitivity measurement techniques, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.

Students benefit from access to advanced research facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and cleanroom environments for device fabrication and testing. The group combines strong experimental and theoretical capabilities, with a number of techniques developed in-house, providing a cutting-edge environment for research and training in modern physics and photonics.