Michael Johnston

Michael Johnston is Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford's Department of Physics and a Fellow of Corpus Christi College since 2002. He leads a research group focused on high-frequency semiconductor devices, semiconductor charge dynamics, and spectroscopy, bridging fundamental physics with real-world applications in terahertz technology, semiconductor nanostructures, and perovskite optoelectronics.

His educational background includes a PhD in Physics from the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia), where he researched electron behavior in quantum-confined systems. Prior to Oxford, he established a terahertz spectroscopy research program at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge (1999-2002).

Professor Johnston's research centers on charge dynamics in semiconductors and light-matter interactions, with three core thrusts:

• Terahertz Science: Developing instrumentation and theories for terahertz spectroscopy, radiation emission, and ultrafast modulation using semiconductor nanostructures
• Semiconductor Nanostructures: Investigating electron dynamics to create novel photonic devices like single nanowire terahertz detectors with picosecond switching
• Perovskite Optoelectronics: Pioneering vapor deposition methods for metal halide perovskites enabling efficient planar heterojunction solar cells

His publication record (2002-2020) demonstrates consistent innovation in terahertz device engineering and perovskite solar cell technology, with high-impact contributions across fundamental charge-carrier dynamics, nanoscale device fabrication, and industrial-scale material processing for clean energy applications.

His scientific excellence is recognized through:

• Harrie Massey Medal
• Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
• IUMRS Somiya Award
• Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher status

Professor Johnston actively mentors students through undergraduate physics tutoring at Corpus Christi College (covering Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Condensed Matter Physics) while leading his research group. His key contributions include inventing single-nanowire terahertz detectors, ultrafast terahertz modulators, and vapor deposition techniques critical for industrial perovskite solar cell production.

He directs Oxford's Terahertz Physics research group (www-thz.physics.ox.ac.uk), which integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to semiconductor charge dynamics, with strong industry connections for translating fundamental discoveries into photonic devices and solar energy solutions.