Photonic, electronic and quantum technologies
Advanced materials and device solutions enabling next-generation photonic, electronic, and quantum technologies for global energy, environmental sustainability and communications.
£14M in active projects.
Leading Photon Science Institute.
Driving vision for Centre for Quantum Science and Engineering.
Internationally renowned sector-leading thought leadership.
Advanced materials, electronics, photonics and quantum devices for a connected future
Our research integrates advanced materials and devices to address global challenges in energy, connectivity, health and the environment.
By co‑developing quantum devices, large-scale energy-efficient opto / microelectronics, advanced semiconductors and 2D materials for communications and sensing, and active photonics, we deliver interoperable technologies that align with Manchester’s advanced materials, energy and digital research priorities and translate research excellence into real-world impact.
What excites me is seeing a new material or device concept grow into a practical technology that helps society; whether that is a lower-power data centre, a more sensitive sensor or a communication system that connects people more fairly.
Zhirun Hu - Group Lead and Professor
Research
Our areas of research
Materials and devices
Our research in this area is concerned with the discovery and application of new functional materials in practical device contexts. A strong focus on emerging photovoltaic materials, including organic semiconductors and halide perovskites, drives work on high-efficiency solar cells, thin-film transistors, and flexible electronics. Graphene-based metamaterials are engineered for RF, millimetre-wave, and THz communications and sensing.
Alongside these, catalytic metamaterials and CO₂ photoreduction devices reflect a growing interest in applying advanced photonic materials to sustainable energy challenges.
Academics involved
Thomas Anthopoulos, Richard Curry, Tim Echtermeyer, Zhirun Hu, Joel Loh.
Quantum and photonics
Research in this area explores the science and engineering of light and quantum systems, from fundamental physics to device applications. Work spans quantum sensing with levitated nanoparticles and ultracold atoms, and the development of quantum network and computer components including single photon sources and quantum memories based on dopants and ion-implanted colour centres in solid-state hosts. Optical spectroscopy underpins much of the materials characterisation activity, while silicon photonics and photonic crystal platforms provide routes to scalable, integrated device architectures.
Academics involved
Iain Crowe, Richard Curry, Matthew Halsall, Mohamed Missous, Jayadev Vijayan, Huanqing Ye.
Semiconductors
We bring together expertise in advanced semiconductor materials, epitaxial growth, and high-frequency device engineering. Compound semiconductor heterostructures grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy underpin work on high-speed transistors, THz sources and detectors, and Quantum Well Hall Effect sensors.
Alongside this, graphene and related 2D materials are explored for next-generation photodetectors and transistors compatible with CMOS fabrication. THz quantum cascade lasers and graphene-integrated photonic platforms further extend the group's reach into the THz frequency regime.
Academics involved
Subhasish Chakraborty, Iain Crowe, Richard Curry, Tim Echtermeyer, Matthew Halsall, Zhirun Hu, Joel Loh, Mohamed Missous, Huanqing Ye.
Our research facilities
Home to world‑leading research in photon science, advanced materials and quantum technologies
Our work is supported by major institutes, including the Photon Science Institute and the Henry Royce Institute, which bring together experts, industry partners and cutting‑edge facilities to drive innovation.
Researchers have access to an extensive suite of state‑of‑the‑art facilities, from cryostats and optical magnet systems to single‑photon spectroscopy tools, with a new dilution fridge (Hi‑CaLM) coming online in 2026. These facilities help accelerate discovery and support pioneering work across physics, engineering and materials science.
Study with us
PhD opportunities
Our researchers play a key role in training the next generation of specialists through two EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training:
Connect with us
Our people
- Thomas D. Anthopoulos - Professor of Emerging Optoelectronics
- Richard Curry - Professor of Advanced Electronic Materials
- Matthew Halsall - Professor of Photonics
- Zhirun Hu - Professor
- Mohamed Missous - Professor of Semiconductor Materials and Devices
- Tim Echtermeyer - Reader
- Subhasish Chakraborty - Senior Lecturer
- Iain Crowe - Senior Lecturer
- Joel Loh - Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow
- Jayadev Vijayan - Royal Society University Research Fellow
- Huanqing Ye - Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow
- Mason Adshead - Research Associate
- Dan Blight - Research Associate
- Maddison Coke - Experimental Officer
- Nicholas Collins - Research Associate
- Janet Jacobs - Experimental Officer
- David Jamieson - University of Melbourne, Australia
- Safa Kasap - Unversity of Saskatchewan, Canada
- Olga Kazakova - National Physical Laboratory, UK
Contact our team
For business and general enquiries, contact Professor Zhirun Hu: