Akshay Rao

Akshay Rao is a Professor of Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. He holds a BSc from St Stephen’s College (Delhi University, 2006), an MSc from the University of Sheffield (2007), and a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2011). After a Junior Research Fellowship at Corpus Christi College, he established an independent research group in 2015. His research focuses on quantum and energy materials, aiming to elucidate electronic, structural, and transport dynamics with unprecedented precision, translating insights into novel device concepts. He has co-founded Cambridge Photon Technology and Illumion.

• Education:
  • BSc, St Stephen’s College, Delhi University (2006)
  • MSc, University of Sheffield (2007)
  • PhD, University of Cambridge (2011)

His research interests span quantum materials, photonics, and energy harvesting. Key areas include singlet fission, nanomaterials, and optoelectronic devices. Recent work emphasizes ultrafast dynamics, defect engineering, and chiral semiconductors. His team’s innovations include core-shell heterostructures and chiral electroluminescent films.

Notable awards include the Henry Moseley Medal (Institute of Physics), EPSRC Early Career Fellowship, and ERC grants. His group’s collaborations bridge academia and industry, with applications in solar energy and advanced optoelectronics.