The main research areas of the group are:

Optical Diagnostics in Fluid Mechanics
The development and applications of Particle Image Velocimetry, Holographic Particle Image Velocimetry, Laser Doppler Anemometry, Phase-Doppler Anemometry, Laser Induced Fluorescence, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy and High Speed Imaging.

Optical Diagnostics in Solid Mechanics
Measurement of vibration and deformation. Laser Vibrometry, T.V. Holography, Holographic Interferometry, Time-Resolved Shape Measurement, Alignment Metrology, High Sensitivity Surface Strain Measurement and Optical Non-Destructive Testing research.

Imaging and Image Processing
Spectral and tomographic imaging. Holographic microscopy. Digital reconstruction and image processing techniques including fringe analysis and phase-unwrapping algorithms. Cascaded correlation processing.

High Power Laser Processing
Laser cutting, drilling and welding of metals, ceramics, composites and plastics. Laser surface treatment of metals, ceramics, composites and plastics. Laser forming and microbending. Laser micromachining and surface manipulation of biological materials and components. Fabrication of miniature biodevices. Specialised bespoke processes. Fume analysis and control strategy. Beam manipulation using diffractive optical elements.

Laser safety
Legislation and it’s impact on optical engineering. On-site and off-site training in collaboration with NRPB.

Photonics Engineering and Health Technology Research
Specialising in non-invasive optical monitoring systems for medical, surgical and
personal health applications. More information is contained on the Photonics Engineering and Health Technology Research website.