My research invents unconventional approaches to light–matter interaction, combining nanophotonics with functional materials to develop transformative photonic platforms. By integrating self-assembly, advanced spectroscopy, and quantum optics, I build nanostructured architectures for energy harvesting, quantum sensing, and environmental monitoring.

ARIA Quantum Utility Innovator Circle

Hi! We are the Quantum Utility innovator circle, led by Rakesh Arul, trying to discover new and emerging uses for quantum technologies in wet, noisy, room-temperature environments. We’re looking for people keen on:

• Building the quantum tech of the future
• Interested in using quantum tech for their own field and research
• Just keen to learn more and wondering how quantum tech can be applied
• Quantum tech skeptics who feel we should be looking at something else.

We aim to:

• discover interesting new directions to quantum science
• bring quantum science out of its specialist zone and into wider contexts
• educate communities about the potential for quantum applications

In recent meetings we’ve explored how quantum sensors may be used in biomedical science and embryology, which areas of optoelectronics and energy materials might benefit from quantum approaches in sensing or entanglement, and what are outstanding key requirements for a qubit at room temperature that can be reliably and reproducibly fabricated. Our meetups are casual and often in a shared space e.g. pub, the Ray-Dolby Centre in Cambridge or in London.

If you’re a scientist in industry or academia or policy who’s interested in these topics, please fill out this form and we will get back to you!

We are also in the process of setting up a website to document our progress, so watch this space!

Any further questions, please email Rakesh Arul at ra554@cam.ac.uk and fill out this Google form https://forms.gle/74yVFRsQKewSe1Fz9

Nanophotonics for Quantum and Sustainable Technologies

Addressing global challenges such as climate change and quantum technologies demands more than better materials - it requires a new paradigm in how we generate, direct, and manipulate light. While progress in photovoltaics and batteries has surged, nanoscale photonics remains underexploited.

Research summary My research interlinks four main themes, each building on the others: (1) Metamaterials to confine and manipulate light at the atomic scale; (2) Optoelectronics for IR-to-visible photon upconversion; (3) Quantum entanglement and spin dynamics in molecular systems; and (4) Applying these innovations to environmental sensing. Together, they form a coherent framework advancing condensed matter physics and enabling technologies across quantum information, energy, and climate science.

Education and Work Experience

2024- Title A Research Fellow, St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, UK

2019-23 Ph.D. University of Cambridge (Trinity College), UK

2018-19 Engineer, Photon Factory, NZ

2017-18 MSc, University of Auckland, NZ

2013-17 BE(Hons) & BSc, University of Auckland, NZ