Collaborate with Physics
Work with the Department of Physics to solve technical challenges, develop new products and processes, access specialist facilities, and build your team’s capability. We combine internationally recognised research with a strong record of industry collaboration and commercialisation, shaping each project around your needs, timescale and budget.
How we can work with you
Collaborative research and development
Work with our researchers to address a defined technical challenge, explore an emerging opportunity or accelerate innovation. Projects can range from focused feasibility studies to longer-term strategic programmes. We can also help identify suitable funding opportunities and support the development of collaborative proposals.
Consultancy and expert advice
Access specialist advice, analysis and independent insight to investigate a problem, evaluate options, interpret evidence or support a technical decision.
Facilities, measurement and technical services
Access specialist laboratories, instrumentation and technical expertise for measurement, characterisation, testing, prototyping and proof-of-concept development. Capabilities include state-of-the-art photonics and quantum laboratories for precision optical measurement, an industry-standard cleanroom for processing and microfabrication, semiconductor and nanomaterials characterisation, and laser-driven plasma accelerators and radiation sources.
Our team can help identify the most appropriate capability and route for your requirements.
Student and doctoral projects
Bring a business challenge into a student or doctoral project. Depending on its scope, you could sponsor or co-supervise the work, access fresh thinking and build relationships with emerging talent.
Training and continuing professional development
Build your workforce capability through short courses, workshops and bespoke training informed by current research and tailored to your sector and technical requirements.
Recent courses include Introduction to Lasers, Advanced Lasers and Practical Photonics Skills, with bespoke options available for specific business needs.
Licensing and commercialisation
Access new technologies, intellectual property and research with commercial potential. We can help you evaluate opportunities, develop applications, license technology and take ideas towards market. Physics has a strong track record of industry adoption and successful spin-outs, supported by University expertise in intellectual property, investment and commercialisation.
Explore our expertise
Our expertise spans fundamental and applied physics, with major strengths in quantum technologies and photonics and extensive capability across space, Earth and the environment, healthcare and life science, plasma and energy, and semiconductors and materials.
- Quantum Technologies: next-generation position, navigation and timing hardware including compact atomic magnetometers and portable atomic clocks; quantum communications; neutral-atom computing; quantum sensing; inertial navigation; and enabling technologies including stable narrow-linewidth lasers, photonic integrated circuits, microfabricated cells and vacuum systems.
- Photonics: advanced lasers; semiconductor emitters; photonic integrated circuits and packaging; imaging; optical communications; sensing; precision measurement; neuromorphic photonic computing; biophotonics; and photonic materials characterisation, processing and device fabrication.
- Space, Earth and Environment: space-based cold-atom platforms; satellite quantum key distribution; space situational awareness; space radiation testing; Earth observation; satellite-image data processing for marine ecology; geomagnetic monitoring; and optical sensing for the environment.
- Healthcare Technologies and Life Science: microfabricated neural-interface implants; sensors for magnetoneurography and magnetocardiography; DNA and RNA modelling; biomolecule and nanoparticle fluorescence; laser-driven radiotherapy sources; and radioisotope production for theragnostics.
- Plasma and Energy: plasma physics; high-power laser–plasma interactions; compact accelerators and radiation sources; solar-cell materials; and lidar for wind-energy applications.
- Semiconductors and Materials: quantum electronic devices; microfabrication; heterogeneous integration; packaging; radiation-hardened materials; and advanced device and materials characterisation.
Why work with us?
- Access internationally recognised scientific expertise and fresh perspectives.
- Work with a department whose photonics research has been developed through more than three decades of close industrial engagement.
- Use research, specialist facilities and prototyping capability to reduce technical uncertainty and accelerate development.
- Draw on proven experience of licensing technology, creating spin-outs and translating research into commercial applications.
- Connect with researchers, facilities, talented students and the University’s wider knowledge exchange support.
- Choose a flexible route suited to your challenge, resources and timescale.
How to get started
- Tell us about your challenge or opportunity. You do not need to identify the right academic, facility or collaboration route before contacting us.
- We will connect you with relevant expertise. An initial conversation will help us understand your priorities, timescale and desired outcome.
- We will shape the right route with you. Options include consultancy, facilities access, student projects, bespoke training, intellectual property licensing, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and larger collaborative programmes. Where useful, we can also connect you with wider University support.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your technical challenge or opportunity, whatever the size of your organisation or stage of your idea. We will connect you with the right expertise and help identify the most useful next step.
Contact: Dr Susan Spesyvtseva