Research
From optoelectronics to biophysics
My research aims to study key physio-chemical processes in organic, inorganic and biological systems across a range of timescales (femtosecond to second) and lengthscales (nanometre to millimetre). To achieve this I develop and apply new optical tools based on visible light.
Nanoscale transport
Ultrafast microscopy is an ideal tool to study the dynamics of quasi-particles (excitons, charges, polaritons, etc) on nanometre lengthscales and femtosecond timescales. This allows us to understand how nanoscale inhomogeneities influence transport properties in materials and construct detailed structure-function relationships.
Femtoscale structural dynamics
By understanding which vibrational modes are coupled to a potential energy surface, the atomic and molecular structure of materials can be tuned to bias chemical reactions towards a desired product.
Fine structure and spin dynamics
Using a combination of low-temperature and high magnetic field spectroscopy it is possible to elucidate the band-edge fine structure of semiconductors. This is crucial for understanding and optimising their properties, such as luminescence efficiency, for lighting applications (LEDs, lasers, etc).
Towards label-free sensing
My current research is mainly focused around developing methods such as interferometric scattering microscopy to study physio-chemical processes in a label-free manner (i.e. no absorption or emission requirements). Open questions include quantitative imaging of neuronal membrane depolarisation, drug transport across biomembranes and gas evolution from the surface of catalysts.