Development of high-quality, high-spec, cutting edge optical equipment being used as basis of partnerships with tier 1 companies. Taking a project through design, proof-of-concept, reduction to practice, prototype, for a projected market launch in 2025. I have been responsible for assembling and leading a high-tech optics lab producing state-of-the-art telecom R&D, and overseeing specification and construction of an assembly cleanroom and automated assembly machine.I joined the company as a high-tech start-up spun out from University of Cambridge, before being purchased by Huber+Suhner Polatis Ltd in 2021. Reporting to the engineering director I have assembled and managed a high-quality team of scientists and engineers. I now lead a multidisciplinary team of six heads comprising of photonics and mechanical engineering with an annual capital budget of £1M. Additionally I am responsible for managing a relationship with a tier 1 Asian semiconductor company.

Development of a high capacity WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch) for routing signals in optical communications networks.

Continuing development of Optical Levitation Trap for high intensity laser-plasma interaction research. Additionally development of novel fiber optic based optical EMP diagnostic for high temporal resolution, low noise, measurements of transient electromagnetic fields produced at high power laser facilities.

Development of a new “in-vacuo optical levitation trap” to a standard of reliability that enabled a unique set of experiments in high intensity laser-matter interactions at multiple facilities. The PhD included supervision of 14 MSci and summer placement students and undergraduate tutoring.

A one year research project developing an x-ray diagnostic to using a novel technique to vastly improve the temporal resolution and thus improve the data gathered in events that occur over a matter of nanoseconds, for example spherical target implosions. In addition to this I am attending two lecture courses, one in Plasma Physics and the other in Laser Driven Plasma Acceleration.I am also assembling and characterising an optical pyrometry system and bringing a Gated Optical Imager on-line, both for diagnostic use at the Orion laser facility.

Working for the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, my main duties included; laboratory work, report writing (both internal and for customers), extensive travel to customer sites to give presentations, answer technical questions and install machines, and leading teams to implement our technology in a production environment. The work has provided me with valuable interdisciplinary experience in the field of physical chemistry, RF technology and methods of plasma deposition.

A two month placement with the primary objective of exploring the possible uses of the data analysis software Ggobi. The project involved using initiative to solve problems encountered, such as the reduction of large amounts of data. The placement also required research, learning a new programming language (Python), poster design and documenting my work so that it can be further developed. I presented my work to an audience of scientists at CCFE and I gave a presentation at the Royal Society in November.