Professor Juna Sathian | January 19, 2:30 PM | Advances in Room-Temperature Solid-State Masers: From Fundamental Physics to Practical Quantum Technologies

On January 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM, Professor Juna Sathian, Associate Professor and Deputy Lead of the Photonics Technology Group at Northumbria University, will present a seminar entitled "Advances in Room-Temperature Solid-State Masers: From Fundamental Physics to Practical Quantum Technologies." The event will take place in Ágora Room, NOVA FCT Library.

Abstract:

Masers (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) offer unparalleled capability to detect and amplify extremely weak electromagnetic signals with minimal added noise, positioning them as transformative components for sensing, communications, and quantum technologies. Traditional maser implementations have historically required cryogenic environments and high magnetic fields, limiting their accessibility and application. This seminar will provide an overview of recent breakthroughs in room-temperature solid-state maser technology, including the development of LED-pumped maser systems that significantly reduce complexity, cost, and energy consumption. We will explore the underlying physics of maser operation, current experimental strategies employed to achieve room-temperature performance, and potential applications across secure communications, deep-space sensing, and quantum devices. Attendees will gain insight into how the convergence of photonic engineering, materials science, and quantum spin dynamics is paving the way for practical, scalable masers beyond the laboratory.

Brief Biography:

Dr Juna Sathian is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics at Northumbria University, United Kingdom. She obtained her PhD in Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Following her doctorate, she held a postdoctoral research position at Imperial College London, where she was a core member of the pioneering team that developed the world’s first continuous-wave room-temperature solid-state maser. This breakthrough maser research was internationally recognised through the Institute of Physics Michael Faraday Gold Medal, one of the Institute’s highest honours, awarded to the Imperial College maser team for exceptional experimental achievement in physics.

At Northumbria University, Dr Sathian is the Deputy Lead of the Photonics Technology Group and Lead of the Maser and Laser Technologies (MaLT) Group, where she directs research on room-temperature masers, spin dynamics, and quantum photonic devices. Her work includes landmark contributions to LED-pumped masers, L-band masing, and free-space coherent microwave transmission. Her current research focuses on integrated spin-photonic architectures and the development of portable, low-noise quantum sensors for microwave and spintronic applications.

In addition to her research leadership, Dr Sathian has held major academic leadership roles at Northumbria, including Programme Leader and Head of Physics, where her work strengthened research culture, enhanced the student experience, and supported inclusive academic progression, particularly for women in STEM. She is actively engaged in international collaborations and supervises research across photonics, quantum technologies, and applied physics.