Christmas Celebrations 2010

10th December 2010

The group congregated for our annual Christmas Dinner; a chance to eat, drink, be merry, and watch Salvatore (pictured) excel in the role of Santa Claus, delivering presents as well as joy and festive spirit to all. The evening, organised by Amy, was a resounding success, and we look forward to next year's celebrations, where Santa will move from Italy to Greece, as Georgios generously volunteered to take on the role.

Three group members graduate on St Andrews Day

30th November 2010

Three group members completed the last act of their PhDs by graduating on St Andrews day. A snowy backdrop lent an air of charm to the day's events as gowns were donned and doctorates were conferred. Congratulations to Dr Georgios Tsiminis, Dr Ying Yang, and Dr Gordon Hedley.

Schools Lectures on Plastic Lasers

3rd November 2010

Dr Turnbull gave two lectures to school pupils from across Edinburgh at Merchiston Castle School. The lecture "Plastic Lasers from Jelly to Gelignite" discussed the science and history of lasers since their first demonstration 50 years ago and introduced our recent work using plastic lasers to detect explosives.

Paper Makes Most Downloaded List

4th October 2010

A recent paper on ultrafast photophysics is attracting a lot of interest. Last month it was one of the top ten most downloaded articles in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A. The paper studies the light-emission from iridium complexes, which are important for highly efficient displays and lighting.

Explosive Detection Work Receives Further Coverage

9th June 2010

After being featured in New Scientist (see story below) the work on using organic lasers to detect explosives has received further attention. The story has been featured by numerous news organisations around the world, including BBC News, Times Online, Die Welt, The Scotsman, The Daily Mail and the Daily Record, amongst others.

The research focuses on using organic lasers to sense very small quantities of explosive vapours and it is envisaged that this could be used in both battlefield situations and also in domestic environments such as airports. The university press release as well as the paper itself are available to read.

New Scientist features our work

4th June 2010

New Scientist magazine has featured our group's work on developing organic laser based sensors to detect explosive vapours. Our recent paper indicates that polyfluorene based lasers enable the efficient detection of materials containing nitroaromatics (such as TNT).

Ying Yang passes viva

20th May 2010

Dr Ying Yang has passed her PhD viva. Her thesis was entitled: "Organic Semiconductor Lasers: Compact Hybrid Light Sources and Development of Applications". Dr Yang is pictured here having the traditional dunk in the physics courtyard pond. Congratulations to Ying.

Gordon Hedley passes viva

12th May 2010

Dr Gordon Hedley has passed his PhD viva. His thesis was entitled: "Ultrafast Photophysics of Iridium Complexes". Dr Hedley will remain part of the OSO group, working on photophysics of organic materials and developing new measurement techniques. Gordon is pictured here during his traditional doctoral celebratory immersion in the physics courtyard pond. Congratulations to Gordon.

UV enhanced photodiode highlighted on optics.org

15th March 2010

Our work on enhancing photodiodes in the ultraviolet is highlighted in research news on optics.org. It shows that organic semiconductors provide a simple way of fabricating photodiodes which are sensitive to UV light. On the right is a photograph of the authors, Ifor Samuel, Jack Levell and Mario Giardini (from left to right). Well done to all!

Group demonstration on the Science Discovery Day

13rd March 2010

The "plastic electronics" stand was a big success at the start of the Fife Science Festival that our department hosted today. The stand included glowing organic semiconductors, flashing organic light-emitting diodes, and today's Daily Express which featured our work on wearable light sources for skin cancer treatment as one of only three stories on its front page. The star attraction was an activity where visitors could make their own solar cell (see picture).

Skin cancer treatment launched and highlighted on Sky, BBC and CBS news

12th March 2010

A wearable light source capable of treating common skin cancers has been launched today at the 2010 meeting of the European Society for Photodynamic Therapy. This breakthrough in skin cancer treatment was developed by Prof. Ifor Samuel and Prof. James Ferguson at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. The idea started from Ifor's research on organic semiconductors as new light-emitting materials, enabling the light-emitting "sticking plaster" to be made. The new treatment could ultimately be given by general practitioners, removing the need for a hospital visit. More can be read on the Sky News, BBC News, and CBS News.

Group helps with 'Lab in a lorry'

20th January 2010

Our group continued its recent tradition of helping to staff the Institute of Physic's 'Lab in a Lorry' when it visited the St Andrews area. The lorry is a mobile lab that tours Schools providing kids with an opportunity to take part in real scientific experiments. Group members helped by providing scientific expertise and discussing about real science in action with the public. Everyone involved found it to be a great experience!