2025
Dr Cuifeng Ying, representing Nottingham Trent University’s AOP Group, is visiting Panjab University under the SPARC–UKIERI programme. She was invited as a Guest of Honour for the inauguration of the AICTE–IDEA Lab at PU (PI: Dr Gaurav Sapra and Prof. Rajesh Kumar). During her visit, she is also contributing to innovation-driven activities at PU, including the MACHMA EXPO 2025, and will be delivering talks on the AOP Group’s research. Her visit aims to further strengthen collaboration between NTU and PU. Nov 2025
Associate Professor Lei Xu, AOP Theme Lead, has received the prestigious SPIE Advanced Photonics Young Innovator Award, recognising his outstanding contributions and future potential in optics and photonics. Presented by Prof. Anatoly Zayats, this honour marks a proud achievement for our department and an inspiring milestone for emerging researchers. Nov 2025
Members of the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab —Prof. Mohsen Rahmani, Mahya Assadi, and Saaman Zargarbashi — participated in the Midlands Biophysics Network Meeting 2025, where they presented the group’s latest research outcomes to the Network community.
The Midlands Biophysics Network, operating under Midlands Innovation, aims to strengthen collaboration and foster a vibrant, sustainable research and innovation ecosystem across the region.
Oct 2025
Prof. Mohsen Rahmani visited the Centre for Research on Microelectronics & Nanotechnology (CRMN) at Sousse Technopole, Tunisia, to deliver an IEEE Nanotechnology Council Distinguished Lecture.
During the visit, he met with local researchers and observed the construction of Tunisia’s first Clean Room for microelectronics, marking an important step for nanotechnology development in Africa.
The visit strengthens collaboration between CRMN and the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab (AOP Lab) at Nottingham Trent University, supported by IEEE and the IEEE Nanotechnology Council.
Oct 2025
Amin Zamani, a student of the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab at Nottingham Trent University, received the Best Poster Award sponsored by the Institute of Physics (IOP) Optical Group at the 9th International Conference of Theoretical and Applied Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (TANN2025).
This achievement highlights the high quality of research carried out within AOP lab and the School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University. Jul 2025
The Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab at Nottingham Trent University recently hosted Prof. Sang Soon Oh and his PhD student, Kyle Netherwood, from Cardiff University. Prof. Oh presented impressive results from his group’s latest research.
Collaborative projects between AOP lab and Prof. Oh’s group are already underway. Dr. Lei Xu kindly organised the seminar. Aug 2025
​
Professor Edward Peck has concluded his remarkable tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University (NTU). As a token of appreciation, the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab (AOPlab)—founded during his leadership—presented him with a commemorative lab coat. Over the past 11 years, Professor Peck’s visionary leadership has seen NTU named University of the Year five times and awarded two Queen's Anniversary Prizes, supported by £429 million in strategic investment. His legacy will remain a lasting part of NTU’s history. Jul 2025
The 9th International Conference of Theoretical and Applied Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (TANN2025), which offered a warm and friendly atmosphere fro building new connections and strengthening existing ones with leading pioneers from around the world. proudly highlighted the contributions of Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab members. Jul 2025
A research delegation from Panjab University and PGIMER, Chandigarh, funded by the British Council, visited Nottingham Trent University and the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab (AOP Lab) as part of the UKIERI dotORG initiative.
The team included Professors Gaurav Sapra, Rajesh Kumar, Preetika Sharma, and Ankur Gupta, accompanied by Shivam Jadaun, the first joint NTU–PU PhD student.
They visited Queen’s Medical Centre (special thanks to Steffi Thust and Samuel Ross) and the University of Leeds School of Mechanical Engineering, where they were hosted by Dr. Ali Alazmani, Dr. Daya Pandey, Dr. Mingwen Bai, and Dr. Anand Gupta Chakinala.
Led by Dr. Cuifeng Ying, the project fosters Indo-UK collaboration in photonics, optics,
and interdisciplinary research. Jun 2025
Saaman, a researcher from the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab (AOP Lab), recently participated in the 1st Gordon Research Conference on Label-Free Single-Molecule Sensing in Massachusetts, USA.
Saaman presented work on using nanoaperture optical tweezers to study intrinsically disordered proteins, both through a poster and a talk delivered on behalf of Dr. Cuifeng Ying. The presentation received valuable feedback, helping refine future research directions.
The AOP Lab extends its thanks to the conference chairs Prof. Reuven Gordon, Prof. Warwick Bowen, and vice chairs Dr. George Alexandrakis and Dr. Cuifeng Ying, and also acknowledges the ongoing support of co-supervisors Dr. Lei Xu, Dr. Christopher Mellor, and Prof. Mohsen Rahmani. Jun 2025
Nottingham Trent University recently welcomed Lucy Wheeler, Angus Baker, and Nathalie Kopecky from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) for a visit to explore ongoing research efforts. The delegation met with researchers from NTU and the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab (AOP Lab), gaining insights into our work at the forefront of optical science.
We extend our sincere thanks to the RAE team for making the trip to the East Midlands, and to Anna Harding, Ben Simpson, Pádraig Mulcahy, and NTU Research for organizing such a valuable and engaging visit. May 2025
Gabriel Sanderson has been awarded Best Presentation at the Science and Technology Annual Research (STAR) Conference 2025, recognising his outstanding work and communication skills.
The award was presented by Professor Kirsty Smallbone, Executive Dean of the School of Science and Technology.
Special thanks to Dr. Lei Xu for his invaluable mentorship. This achievement marks an important milestone for the Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab at NTU Research. Jun 2025
Gabriel Sanderson presented this work as part of AOP Lab’s contribution to CLEO 2025 in Long Beach, California.
He showcased our recent advances in nonlinear infrared imaging, representing the team among leading voices in photonics. The conference was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, attend inspiring talks, and connect with the global research community.
We’re proud to have taken part and look forward to what’s next.
May 2025
AOP Lab made a strong impact at the 2025 Nottingham BBSRC DTP Spring Conference.
Cuifeng Ying delivered a standout keynote, followed by a talk from our first DTP student, Saaman Zargarbashi, and a poster presentation by Gabriel Sanderson, our second DTP student.
A fantastic showing by the team – well done all! May 2025
The Advanced Optics and Photonics Lab at Nottingham Trent University recently hosted a Nanopore Workshop, bringing together experts from academia and industry to discuss innovations in single-molecule technologies. Keynote speakers included Dr. James Yates (ITQB & Nanopore Solutions), Dr. Lennart de Vreede (University of Twente), and Dr. Binoy Paulose Nadappuram (University of Strathclyde), who shared insights on nanopore reliability, academic–industry collaboration, and advanced molecular analysis. The event, led by Professor Mohsen Rahmani, featured engaging discussions and concluded with a meeting with the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) team to explore industrial applications of lab research. Marc 2025
We were delighted to welcome Professor Olivier J.F. Martin from EPFL to the Advanced Optics and Photonics (AOP) Group at Nottingham Trent University. A renowned scientist and an inspiring speaker, Professor Martin has long been a source of motivation—his lectures left a lasting impression even during our team’s PhD years. This visit provided our students with the invaluable opportunity to hear from him firsthand. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Professor Alessia Pasquazi and Dr. Vittorio Cecconi from the Emergent Photonics Research Centre at Loughborough University. We look forward to fostering strong collaborations with our distinguished guests in the near future. Apr 2025
Nanotechnology in Photonics Workshop
AOP Lab hosted the Nanotechnology in Photonics workshop in March 2025.
Many thanks to our speakers — Dr. Massimiliano Guasoni, Dr. Christopher Mellor, and Dr. Qimei Zhang — for sharing their expertise and insights. Marc 2025
Another contribution of AOP members to British Science Week: Wollaton Park’s "Science in the Park" event. This effort was proudly supported by NTU Research, UKIERI (British Council), the Nottingham BBSRC DTP, and SPARC (Ministry of Education, Government of India), Marc 2025
2024
The entire AOP group attended the Photon 2024 Conference, organised by the Institute of Physics in Swansea. Every member delivered impressive talks and presentations, and we are all proud of the strong, collaborative team we’ve built at Nottingham Trent University, Sep 2024
Science at the Library, an event powered by the Nottinghamshire Festival of Science. Sincere thanks to AOP members and others, who engaged children and young people with hands-on science activities. Sincere thanks to the organisers, participating teams, students, and supporting organisations including NTU Research, UKIERI, the Nottingham BBSRC DTP, and SPARC, Feb 2025
Prof. Rahmani was invited to ICANX Summit in Davos. He engaged directly with pioneers like Saifur Rahman, Chennupati Jagadish, Ali Khademhosseini, and many more, Jul 2024
Nottingham Trent University hosted the International Conference of Quantum & Nonlinear Nanophotonics 2024, bringing together 57 distinguished guests from across the globe. The event fostered rich exchanges on cutting-edge research, thanks to the dedication of the organising committee and the AOP team, Aug _ Sep 2024
Prof. Chennupati Jagadish Visits NTU and AOP Lab
We were honoured to welcome Prof. Chennupati Jagadish, AC, NTU honorary doctorate, whose visit brought great inspiration and energy to our early career researchers.
During his time at NTU, he also visited the AOP Lab, engaging with students and staff.
Special thanks to Prof. Richard Emes, Prof. Mary O’Neill, Dr. Ben Simpson, and Prof. Gyan Tripathi for making this visit possible. Jul 2024
AOP student Arman Yousefi has received the Best Poster Award at the Plasmonica International School on Plasmonics and Nano-optics (Lake Como School of Advanced Studies 2024).June 2024
Under British Council funded, UKIERI project, Prof. Gaurav Sapra, Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Prof. Preetika Sharma, and Prof. Ankur Gupta visited Nottingham Trent University. Thanks to Professor Gyan Tripathi for his support in organising the Panjab-NTU Workshop, Jun 2024
Gabriel Sanderson received the Best Poster Award for his work on near-infrared imaging, judged by editors from Nature Photonics and Nature Physics. The team also took the opportunity to explore the historic grounds of King’s College, where Maxwell’s pioneering work shaped modern science, Jun 2024.
Saaman Zargarbashi from the AOP Lab has been awarded the Best Poster Prize at the Nottingham BBSRC DTP Annual Conference.
His work, supervised by Dr. Cuifeng Ying, was recognised for its excellence and impact, reflecting the strength and innovation of research within the AOP group.
Congratulations to Saaman and his supervisor on this fantastic achievement. Jun 2024
Saaman Zargarbashi, a PhD student in the Department of Engineering, has received the Best Presentation Award at the 2024 Annual Research (STAR) Conference for PhD Students.
The award was presented by Professor Mary O’Neill, Dean of the School of Science and Technology, in recognition of his research titled “Conformational Dynamics of Disordered Proteins Using Optical Nanotweezers.”
At the NTU Engineering MSc Conference held in April 2024, Mohammadhossein Momtazpour received the Best Poster Prize for his excellent research presentation. Under the supervision of Professor Mohsen Rahmani, Mohammadhossein presented his work with clarity and scientific depth, earning recognition from the panel for both content and visual quality. This award reflects his commitment to academic excellence and the valuable guidance provided by his supervisor. Congratulations to Mohammadhossein on this well-earned accomplishment. Apr 2024
At the Nottingham BBSRC DTP Annual Conference in April 2024, Gabriel Sanderson was honoured with the Best Presenter Prize for his exceptional oral presentation. Supervised by Dr. Lei Xu, Gabriel delivered a compelling and well-structured talk that impressed both the judges and audience. His clear communication of complex scientific concepts and confident delivery set him apart at the conference. This recognition highlights Gabriel’s strong academic abilities and the high standard of research training provided by his supervisory team. Congratulations to Gabriel on this outstanding achievement. Apr 2024
Prof. Rahmani's first visit to India under the Royal Society Yusuf Hamied Fellowship. Sincere thanks to Prof. Gaurav Sapra, Prof. Renu, Prof. Puri, and all friends and colleagues who made this visit truly special, Feb 2024
Nottingham Trent University hosted the “Nanotechnology for Sustainable Engineering” workshop, organised by the IEEE Nanotechnology Council (UK & Ireland), featuring engaging talks by Riccardo Sapienza, George Gordon, and Anirvan Guha. The event received excellent feedback from students, March 2024.
2023
Leadership Retreat with UKRI Future Leaders Fellows Development Network , Sep 2023
Dr. Cuifeng Ying from AOP_NTU was invited to speak at the “2nd Career Development Workshop,” organised by IEEE Women in Engineering, UK & Ireland. She shared her insights on empowering women in engineering, contributing to an inspiring and impactful event, Oct 2023
Prof. Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK visiting AOP labs, In photo: S. Huttly DVC-A & J. Hague, KE’s director. Thanks to P. McTernan for organising visit and taking this photo
PhD candidate Ze Zheng delivered a talk at CLEO Europe, presenting our recent publication in Opto-Electronic Advances on third-order imaging, which received strong interest from the photonics community, Jun 2023
Professor Mohsen Rahmani from Nottingham Trent University has been visiting high schools as part of an outreach initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. During his recent visit to NAUST, where he met with Year 10 triple science students, he delivered an engaging lecture on nanotechnology, discussing its historical development and the exciting potential it holds for transforming everyday life. His visit is part of a broader mission to encourage young students to pursue careers in science and technology. Marc 2023
Professor Mohsen Rahmani from Nottingham Trent University gave a talk to Year 10 triple science students, discussing nanotechnology — its origins, development, and the fascinating ways it could impact our everyday lives in the future. Apr 2023
Prof. Rupert Oulton (from Imperial College London) visited AOP group and deliver a seminar, June 2023.
AOP leaders visited the Royal Society and presenting the latest results at Metamateirals Network, Photonics Summit, May 2023.
2022
We were thrilled to host Dr. Gaurav Sapra from Panjab University at @AOP_NTU in Nottingham.
Productive discussions led to exciting ideas and the start of several promising research projects. Looking forward to what’s next in this growing collaboration. Jul 2022
Prof. Anatoly Zayats (from King's College), the co-director of the London Centre for Nanotechnology, visited AOP Group and NTU, March 2023.
It was a great pleasure to have our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Peck, visiting AOP Lab. We were very excited to further contribute to our university's growing reputation. November 2021
Congratulations to Ze Zheng for being awarded US$1000 travel grant to present his oral talk at "SPIE Optics + Photonics 2022, San-Diego". An excellent achievement for a PhD student in his 1st year! Well done! June 2022
