DISTINGUISHED PROF. DATUK DR. HARITH AHMAD
DISTINGUISHED PROF. DATUK DR. HARITH AHMAD
Quantum Electronics and Lasers (Laser Technology) Fibre Optics and Waveguides (Planar Lightwave Circuit) Fibre Optics and Waveguides (Fiber Optic Technology) Tel: +603-79676700 Email: harith@um.edu.my The current interest is in the generation of ultrashort pulses in various rare-earth-doped fibers covering the 1, 1.5, and 2 μm wavelengths. Various techniques, such as using artificial and material saturable absorbers (SA). For material SAs, materials such as topological insulator, transition metal chalcogenides, and lately the metal-organic frameworks (MOF). Techniques such as pulse compression and extending the pulses for generating ultrashort pulses in the region of femtoseconds. Also, areas such as preamplification, main amplification to generate very high peak powers operating in femtoseconds. This opens many possible applications. A few applications of interest are laser writing and tissue surgery. Lately, also of interest are acoustic waves in oil and gas exploration to determine the ratio of gas, water, and oil in a system. |
ASSOC. PROF. DR. ROZALINA ZAKARIA
ASSOC. PROF. DR. ROZALINA ZAKARIA
Photonics Materials Optical Sensing and Photodetector Applications
Tel: +603-79674177 / +603-7967 2108 Email: rozalina@um.edu.my Dr. Rozalina Zakaria's research is at the forefront of photonic materials and devices, with a strong focus on the development of optical fiber sensors, nonlinear optical phenomena, and advanced light–matter interactions. Her work explores the integration of plasmonic nanostructures and two-dimensional (2D) materials for enhancing optoelectronic performance, particularly in sensing and signal processing applications. She has made significant advancements in the design of nanostructured materials for light–matter interaction, especially in applications involving surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and magneto-optical phenomena. She has been recognized globally as a Top 2% Scientist by Stanford University in 2024. Dr. Zakaria has published extensively in high-impact journals. Among her key works are studies on nonlinear optical behavior of plasmonic with Au–Ag nanoparticles, optimization of SPR fiber sensors using metallic multi-layers, and the integration of graphene oxide and MoS₂/WS₂ in side-polished fiber systems for environmental and biomedical sensing. She has led numerous projects focused on plasmon-enhanced photodetectors, ultrafast modulators, positioning her as a key innovator in Malaysia’s photonics landscape. Beyond her research, Dr. Zakaria actively mentors early-career researchers and contributes to academic leadership within national and international research initiatives. |
ASSOC. PROF. IR. DR. LIM KOK SING
ASSOC. PROF. IR. DR. LIM KOK SING
Tilted Fiber Bragg Gratings Optical Signal Processing Multispectral Imaging
Tel: +603-79672686 Email: kslim@um.edu.my Dr. Lim Kok Sing is a researcher specializing in optical fiber sensing, with expertise spanning Tilted Fiber Bragg Gratings (TFBG), optical measurement and instrumentation, spectroscopic analysis, and multispectral imaging. His work focuses on the excitation of cladding modes in TFBGs and their evanescent field interactions for applications in chemical and biochemical sensing, as well as disease detection. Dr. Lim is actively involved in the fabrication of fiber gratings using direct femtosecond laser writing. Leveraging nano-precision motion stages, he can inscribe ultrashort gratings and sub-millimeter interferometric structures at arbitrary locations along the fiber, enabling the development of compact and versatile fiber-optic devices. These include tilt sensors, shape sensors, and miniaturized fiber lasers. His research also explores advanced signal demodulation and multiplexing strategies for optical fiber sensor arrays, such as Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) and Spatial Frequency Division Multiplexing (sFDM), to enhance data acquisition efficiency and system scalability In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Lim collaborates with industry partners to translate optical sensing technologies into practical solutions, particularly in the agricultural sector. |
ASSOC. PROF. DR. CHONG WU YI
ASSOC. PROF. DR. CHONG WU YI
Laser Direct Writing (Laser Processing, Polymer Optical Waveguides, Microfabrication)
Tel: +603-79674119 Email: wuyi@um.edu.my The research interests of Dr. Chong Wu Yi include laser processing and the integration of photonics waveguides. Ongoing research works include 3D polymer waveguide fabrication using two-photon polymerization (2PP) techniques, and the integration of optical phase change materials in optical planar waveguides, as well as optical fibers and their applications as all-optical switches/modulators, optically tunable filters, and photonics memory. |
ASSOC. PROF. DR. ILYA RAZDOLSKIY
ASSOC. PROF. DR. ILYA RAZDOLSKIY
Nanophotonics Quantum Plasmonics
Tel: +603-79676770 Email: ilya@um.edu.my The main aspect of my research pertains to quantum plasmonics, a relatively new field of nanophotonics where tiny metallic particles exhibit unusual optical properties owing to the essential quantum phenomena. Conventional plasmonics is well understood and described by classical physics using century-old theories. However, when the typical dimensions approach the electronic scales, it is essential to consider quantum phenomena such as electron tunneling and spill-out as well as Landau damping. Optically, it can be accounted for with the non-local dielectric function of the metal. I am particularly interested in non-equilibrium quantum plasmonics, where the optical properties are further modified because the electron density is not described by the Fermi-Dirac distribution. This can be achieved by exciting the plasmonic system with an ultrashort laser pulse or by injecting laser-excited electrons from an adjacent metallic layer. In this fundamental research, numerical simulations with dedicated software are an indispensable tool. Secondly, I develop infrared (IR) spectroscopy with semiconductor quantum dots (QD). Owing to the scarcity of light sources in the IR range, semiconductors with ultranarrow band gaps attract particular interest for spectroscopic applications. In collaboration with colleagues from Hong Kong, China, we investigate spectral properties of narrowband Wurtzite QDs and nanorods, including their excitation and emission efficiency, stability to ambient conditions, and tunability through high-power laser processing. This research has many potential applications in IR spectroscopy, which is known to be a versatile tool for a plethora of chemical and biological challenges. |
DR. BILAL NIZAMANI
DR. BILAL NIZAMANI EXPERTISE AREA: Ultrafast lasers Dual- multi-wavelength lasers Higher order modes Fluoride fiber lasers.
Tel: +601-172589800 Email: bnizamani@um.edu.my Dr Bilal`s research is based on ultrafast thulium-doped fiber lasers (TDFLs), thulium/holmium-doped fiber lasers (THDFLs), erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFLs), and fluoride (ZBLAN) fiber lasers. The new project includes ultrafast lasers at the 1.3-micron region by using praseodymium-doped fluoride fibers (PDFFs) and bismuth-doped fibers (BDFs) as the gain medium. The scientific reports are also published in over 60 different peer-reviewed journals. Moreover, Dr. Bilal had designed a temperature sensor using D-shaped fiber coated with Indium Tin Oxide. Dr Bilal`s current project includes dual- and multi-wavelength fiber lasers and higher-order LP11 mode generation in pulsed fiber lasers. The project based on higher-order modes is also supported by Universiti Malaya under the grant RU001-2025E. |
DR. NORAZRIENA YUSOFF
DR. NORAZRIENA YUSOFF Associate Member of PRC
2D Material Nanocomposite Pulsed Fiber Laser Optical Fiber Sensor Electrochemical application
Tel: +603-79674282 Email: norazrienayusoff@um.edu.my Dr. Norazriena Yusoff integrates materials science and photonics in her research, focusing on the synthesis, characterization, and application of two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials. These include graphene and its composites, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), topological insulators (TIs), and MXenes. Her work explores the potential of these materials in electrochemical devices, fiber lasers, and optical sensors. In the early phase of her career, Dr. Norazriena concentrated on nanomaterial synthesis using wet chemical techniques, producing functional materials with promising results in catalytic dye degradation, electrochemical biosensing, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Since 2018, her research has expanded to include ultrafast photonics, particularly the development of pulsed fiber laser systems. She investigates the use of novel nanomaterials as saturable absorbers to achieve pulse generation at multiple wavelength regions. In addition, she applies these materials in surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based optical fiber sensors for heavy metal detection, utilizing their unique optical and surface properties to enhance sensing performance. A distinctive strength of Dr. Norazriena’s research lies in the combination of materials development and device integration. This integrated approach advances both fundamental understanding and practical solutions in materials science and photonic technologies. |
Last Update: 24/09/2025
