Join Us

The Photonics Lab offers exciting opportunities to join a growing research group working at the intersection of photonics, sensing, ultrafast systems, and intelligent optical technologies.

Prospective research students

We welcome enquiries from PhD and MSc by Research applicants with backgrounds in:

  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Physics / Applied Physics
  • Photonics / Optoelectronics
  • Related STEM disciplines

Research projects for PGR students

Ultrafast Optical Localisation for Beam-Steered Wireless Systems

This project focuses on developing all-optical techniques for real-time user localisation in beam-steered optical wireless communication systems. By encoding spatial information into optical wavelength and processing signals entirely in the optical domain, the research aims to achieve ultra-low latency and very high update rates beyond the limits of electronic processing. The work will combine experimental photonics, system modelling, and performance evaluation, with relevance to next-generation indoor wireless networks and emerging high-capacity communication systems.

Advanced Optical Fibre Sensors for Energy and Hydrogen Applications

This project aims to develop high-sensitivity optical fibre sensors for monitoring key physical and chemical parameters in energy systems, with particular emphasis on hydrogen storage and safety. Using fibre-based sensing techniques such as fibre Bragg gratings and specialty fibres, the research will address challenges including harsh environments, long-term stability, and reliable interrogation. The outcomes will support safer and more efficient energy infrastructure, with strong potential for industrial collaboration.

Photonic Time-Stretch Imaging for High-Speed Diagnostics

This project investigates photonic time-stretch techniques to enable ultrafast imaging and signal acquisition far beyond the bandwidth of conventional electronic systems. By exploiting dispersive optical processing, the research will focus on capturing and analysing rapidly evolving physical or biological phenomena in real time. Potential applications include biomedical diagnostics, flow-based analysis, and industrial inspection, combining optical system design with experimental validation.

Microwave Photonics for Wideband RF Sensing and Spectrum Awareness

This project explores microwave photonic approaches to wideband RF sensing, enabling high-resolution analysis of radio-frequency signals using optical techniques. The research will investigate photonic generation, filtering, and detection of RF signals, targeting applications such as spectrum monitoring and situational awareness. The work will involve hybrid optical–electronic systems, high-speed measurement, and system-level optimisation.

Optical Reservoir Computing for Intelligent Sensing and Imaging

This project focuses on optical reservoir computing as a hardware-efficient approach to machine learning for high-throughput sensing and imaging. By exploiting the intrinsic dynamics of photonic systems, the research aims to perform real-time signal processing and pattern recognition with reduced computational complexity and energy consumption. Applications include intelligent optical sensing, imaging, and communications, bridging photonics with data-driven methods.

Integrated Photonic Platforms for Compact and Scalable Sensors

This project aims to develop compact and scalable photonic sensing and signal-processing platforms using integrated or chip-scale photonic technologies. The research will investigate how system-level performance can be preserved or enhanced while reducing size, cost, and power consumption. Emphasis will be placed on practical deployment considerations, making the outcomes attractive for real-world applications in sensing, communications, and instrumentation.

If you are interested in joining the Photonics Lab, please email Dr. Chao Wang c.wang@kent.ac.uk with

  • A short CV
  • A brief statement of research interests

Visitors and partnerships

We are open to hosting:

  • Visiting researchers and students
  • Industrial secondments and placements
  • Collaborative projects and knowledge-exchange activities

Please contact us to discuss potential opportunities.