Our main research interest is the use of optically generated thermal waves in condensed media for measurements ranging from thermal diffusivity of engineering materials to properties of live human skin. Pulsed or sinusoidally modulated lasers are used for generating the non-equilibrium temperature fields from which the thermal waves propagate. They are sensed remotely using either the associated changes in thermal infrared emission (Opto-Thermal Transient Emission Radiometry) or diffraction of an optical probe beam from the surface (Transient Surface Grating).

Recently, we have begun a new line of research into bio-engineering instrumentation. The first outcome is a patented method for measuring trans-epidermal water loss (AquaFlux), with important advantages over the current industry-standard method.

Note: Limited faculty wide EPSRC PhD studentships are available to UK students only, around September every year, if interested please contact us through the "contact us" page.