Chao He

Chao He is an Associate Professor and full faculty member in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford (2025–present). He leads the Vectorial Optics and Photonics Lab, focusing on advanced optical techniques including vectorial beam manipulation, structured light, and biomedical imaging applications. He earned his DPhil from Oxford in 2020, completing it in just two years. His research bridges photonics, adaptive optics, and biomedical diagnostics, with over 100 publications in top journals like Nature Communications and Light: Science & Applications. He has secured £3 million in grants and commercialized projects worth £1.3 million. Beyond academia, he released two original music albums as a solo artist.

Education:

• DPhil, University of Oxford (2018–2020)
• MRes, University of Oxford
• MEng, BEng (Oxon)

Research Interests:

His work centers on vectorial optics, photonics, and their biomedical applications. Key areas include polarization sensing, Mueller matrix polarimetry, and adaptive optics for tissue imaging. Innovations include optical skyrmions, structured matter modulation, and polarization-based diagnostic tools. His lab develops technologies for integrated photonic circuits and medical sensing systems.

Grants & Impact:

He leads research grants exceeding £3 million and has achieved commercial investment of £1.3 million. His work has advanced clinical applications in cancer detection and tissue analysis. He serves as a reviewer for major journals like Nature Photonics and Light: Science & Applications.

Labs & Teams:

He heads the Vectorial Optics and Photonics Group (VOP Group), fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in photonics and biomedical engineering. The group focuses on translating optical innovations into practical medical and industrial solutions.