Otto Lam

I am a research fellow in the Physics Department, working at the interface of optoelectronics, 2D materials and self-powered sensing. My work ranges from quantum-enabled photonics, where I fabricate nanoscale chips to access the phonon modes in atomically thin 2D materials as a platform for qubits, to perovskite-based optoelectronics with novel perovskite structures. I am also actively working with master's/PhD students on utilising 2D materails for self-powered sensing and wearable devices. Across these fields, I specialise in both nanofabrication (e-beam lithography) and in-situ optoelectronic measurements (PL, Absorption, Raman, Photocurrent-mapping), as well as building custom experimental platforms in optoelectronics and sensing. 

Research: My research explores how 2D materials such as graphene, transition-metal dichalcogenides, and perovskite derivatives can be used for next-generation optoelectronic devices. During my time in Exeter, I designed and fabricated nanoarrays for high resolution imaging with perovskites, and following my work in wafer-scale sustainable perovskite derivatives, I now lead the experimental effort in developing a platform for quantum computing qubits that exploit the phonon modes of 2D materials. 

Simutaneously, I also work on triboelectric nanogenerators and self-powered bio/mechanical sensors, combining flexible fabrics with efficient charge management to develop wearable energy harvesters and sensors, functionalised with said 2D materials. This research builds on the custom system I developed during my PhD, which has since been used for over 6 publications and multiple PhD and MSc dissertations. 

Collaborations: I cannot thank my collaborators enough, the majority of our research comes from collaborations, drawing on the expertise of many. Within the UK, I work closely with groups at Southampton, Imperial, Lancaster, NPL, and the Diamond Light Source. More importantly, my active collaborators in Asia (HK, Singapore, Japan) and Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland etc.), as well as the US, have helped tremendously. At Exeter, I am part of the Metamaterials research community, which connects my work on optoelectronic materials with efforts in photonics, energy, and advanced manufacturing. I am always opened to more collaborations, please feel free to drop me an email if anything here sounds remotely interesting to you. 

Teaching: Having completed the Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LTHE) qualifications, I worked as a teaching assistant in Python programming and mathematics for physicists, and have gone on to lecture for our first year physics students. Teaching has been an especially rewarding part of my academic life. I take care to adapt my teaching to the needs of individual students, developing additional examples and exercises to suit their interests and learning styles, especially in project-based lab work. I have also worked to improve tutorial engagement by addressing student perspectives directly, helping them understand how these sessions could really benefit their exam preparation and overall progress. Meanwhile, I continue to mentor multiple master's and PhD students in their respective projects. I also provide talks to international students at our INTO building, helping them understand the work that we do and providing them with a perspective on their future studies here in the UK.