Collaborating with Southampton University, Nanyang Technological University opens a new institute consisting of five research centres focused on photonics and optics.

Nanyang Technological University has opened its Photonics Institute with a focus on photonics and optics research. The institute is situated in Singapore, but was made possible through collaboration with Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (Orc).

The $80m institute will explore the feasibility of advanced technologies revolving around light. Its five research centres are the Centre for Optical Fibre Technology, the Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, the Centre of Excellence for Semiconductor Lighting and Displays, the Centre for Optical and Laser Engineering and the Photonic Centre of Excellence.

The institute will be headed by directors Tjin Swee Chuan and Nikolay Zheludev, professors at Nanyang, and Sir David Payne, director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre. In total, 120 researchers will be working at the 4,000 square metres institute.

Orc has a significant track record in photonics. It developed fibre optic broadband, the basis of modern-day internet.

Bertil Andersson, president at Nanyang, said: “We have already seen examples of how photonic technologies, such as optical fibres networks and lasers, have changed our society through the internet. Together with Southampton, our new institute aims to be become a focal point for photonics research in Singapore and to drive innovations on a global scale. This joint initiative is an important conduit for the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge, breakthroughs and industrial innovations between Singapore and UK.”