News

Prof TAM Hwa-yaw featured in HOY TVs programme on ultrafine high-sensitivity optical fibre sensor

Prof. TAM Hwa-yaw, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute and Chair Professor of Photonics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was featured in HOY TV’s programme “Health Concern Group” to introduce the optical fibre sensor developed by his team. The ultrafine, biocompatible plastic optical fibre sensor can improve surgical navigation, monitor contact forces and reduce trauma during cochlear implantation, thereby significantly enhancing the procedure’s safety and precision. This innovative sensing technology is expected to bring breakthrough improvements to precision procedures like cochlear implantation. Prof. Tam’s team is collaborating with the renowned implantable hearing solutions company Cochlear Limited, The University of Melbourne, and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where clinical trials will commence next year, to promote the practical application of the technology, offering a “win-win” solution for health professionals and patients. Online coverage: HOY TV - https://polyu.me/4kobWYH (Ep. 373) (08:31 - 11:23) (Chinese only)

Prof. YAO Jianping shared insights during PRI Research Seminar on 12 June 2025

The “Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Research Seminar Series: Microwave Photonics for AI: Challenges and Opportunities” was successfully held on 12 June 2025 (Thursday).   Prof. YAO Jianping, Distinguished University Professor; University Research Chair in Microwave Photonics, University of Ottawa, Canada, delivered an enlightening speech and shared his valuable experiences to PolyU Staff, Students and PRI scholars.    We would like to express our gratitude to Prof. LAU Shu Ping, Daniel and all the participants, ensuring that the success of the seminar.

Prof. CHEN Nanguang shared insights during PRI Research Seminar on 10 December 2024

The “Photonics Research Institute (PRI) Research Seminar Series: Deep learning approaches to advancing biomedical optical imaging techniques” was successfully held on 10 December 2024 (Tuesday).   Prof. CHEN Nanguang, Associate Professor, National University of Singapore, delivered an enlightening speech and shared his valuable experiences to PolyU Staff, Students and PRI scholars.    We would like to express our gratitude to Prof. CHEN and all the participants, ensuring that the success of the seminar.

Prof. CHAI Yang named IEEE Fellow

Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI), has been selected into the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Fellow Class of 2025 for his contributions to bioinspired in-sensor computing. The grade of Fellow recognises unusual distinction in the profession and is reserved for a person with an outstanding record of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest.   The IEEE Fellow grade honors professionals with outstanding achievements in engineering, science, and technology, benefiting society. This prestigious title, awarded to less than 0.1% of members annually, marks a significant milestone.   Online coverage: The Paper - https://polyu.me/3ZJRtXf NetEase - https://polyu.me/41lYdeY Sina - https://polyu.me/3ZKXrXW Sohu - https://polyu.me/4f4aub7 qq - https://polyu.me/3OHl90P

Six PRI scholars recognised amongst the world’s most highly cited researchers in 2024

Six Photonics Research Institute (PRI) scholars have been recognised in the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” by Clarivate Analytics.   This annual list recognises researchers for significant impact in their respective research fields. Each researcher selected has authored multiple highly-cited papers that have ranked in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year in the Web of Science over the past 11 years. This year, a total of 6,636 researchers from 59 countries and regions from a diverse range of fields have been named as Highly Cited Researchers.   *list in alphabetical order Name Title and Faculty/Department/School Prof. CHAI Yang Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Member of PRI Prof. HUANG Haitao Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Member of PRI Prof. LI Gang Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering  Management Committee Member of PRI Prof. LOH Kian Ping# Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Department of Applied Physics  Member of PRI Prof. Tom Tao WU Chair Professor of Frontier Materials, Department of Applied Physics Member of PRI Prof. YAN Feng  Chair Professor of Organic Electronics, Department of Applied Physics  Member of PRI #Primary affiliation is with National University of Singapore.  

Prof. CHAI Yang has been awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024

Congratulations to Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI), has been awarded the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize 2024 in the category of “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”.   The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize hosted by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, is a non-governmental merit-based award. It aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation.

Sharing of Research and Application on Photonic Crystal Fiber Waves by Prof. Philip Russell

Prof. Philip RUSSELL, Scientific Director of the Russell Centre for Advanced Lightwave Science (RCALS), Hangzhou, China, delivered the 30th PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Three decades riding the photonic crystal fibre wave” on 5 November 2024 on the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted over 80 participants to join in person and captivated an online viewing audience of over 12,500 from different countries and regions to watch the live broadcast on multiple social media platforms, including Bilibili, WeChat, Weibo and YouTube.   The lecture commenced with a warm welcome and brief speaker introduction by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR. Prof. Russell kickstarted his presentation by giving a brief overview of the historical development of photonic crystal fibre (PCF), highlighting how advancements in optical fibres, Bragg scattering, photonic bandgaps and drawing towers laid the foundation for PCF breakthroughs. Prof. Russell shared that he proposed in 1991 a glass fibre with a periodic array of microscopic hollow channels running along its length might guide light in novel ways, and many PCFs emerged from drawing towers at universities in subsequent years. Next, he elaborated on the advantages of PCF, explaining how it offers enhanced control over the propagation light, and how this property has enabled valuable applications. He shared his research in light-guiding PCF, hollow core PCF filled with gas, and twisted PCF, reviewing how some of the scientific discoveries made possible by PCF have evolved into real-world applications.   Following the presentation was a lively and insightful question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. LU Chao, Director of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Chair Professor of Fiber Optics. The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Russell. 

22 PRI scholars ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists for career-long citation impact

According to new metrics from Stanford University 2024, 22 scholars from the Photonics Research Institute (PRI) are ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists for career-long citation impact, and 25 PRI scholars are ranked among the top 2% for single-year citation impact. This recognition reflects the significant influence and research excellence of the scientists. Congratulations to PRI scholars!

Prof. CHAI Yang named 2024 Falling Walls Winner

Prof. CHAI Yang, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and Member of the Photonics Research Institute (PRI), has made significant advancements in sensory artificial intelligence (AI), paving the way for more energy-efficient, low-latency and memory-optimised AI systems. His advancements significantly enhance diverse applications such as mobile devices, IoT sensors and edge computing.   For his exceptional innovation, Prof. Chai has been honoured as a 2024 Falling Walls Winner in the Engineering & Technology category for “Breaking the Wall of Efficient Sensory AI Systems”. The Falling Walls Foundation, based in Berlin, recognized his work among over 1,000 global entries. Professor Chai's research has been published in top journals and is widely cited, highlighting its impact and potential for future technological advancements.

Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung and Prof. HUANG Haitao have been selected as supervisors of the Hong Kong Scholars Program 2024

Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung and Prof. HUANG Haitao have been selected as supervisors of the Hong Kong Scholars Program 2024. They will initiate a cross-border program to nurture postdoctoral fellows from mainland China, enabling them to conduct high-level research under the supervision of Hong Kong scholars.   The program is jointly launched by the Society of Hong Kong Scholars and the China National Postdoctoral Council under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Its objective is to effectively consolidate the talent and research resources of Hong Kong and the Mainland in order to train outstanding postdoctoral fellows. Selected Hong Kong supervisors are required to have experience in major research projects, be at an advanced international level, have certain research facilities, and possess a high level of research team.