Nina Vaidya

Nina Vaidya is a Lecturer and Assistant Professor in Astronautics and Spacecraft Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton. She leads the Vaidya Research Group, which specializes in optics and material design with applications in nano-photonics, metamaterials, nano-fabrication, energy materials, 3D printing of functional components, and high-specific power space-based systems.

Dr. Vaidya's educational background includes:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, UK
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, CA, USA

Dr. Vaidya's research focuses on concepts to break optics and optoelectronic limits and developing new fabrication techniques to implement them. Her work has the potential to revolutionize how we conceptualize, fabricate, and deploy engineering systems. Key research areas include:

• Nano-photonics and metamaterials for advanced optical applications
• Nano-fabrication techniques for high-precision optical devices
• 3D printing of functional optical components with nanometer-smooth surfaces
• Graded index immersion optics for solar concentration
• Space-based solar power systems and related technologies
• Space sustainability and debris management solutions

Dr. Vaidya's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on space-based solar power technologies and advanced optical systems. Her work spans fundamental physics of light manipulation to practical engineering applications for space systems. A notable trend is the integration of novel optical concepts with lightweight, high-efficiency designs specifically for space applications. Her research bridges theoretical physics, materials science, and practical engineering to address challenges in renewable energy and space technology.

Dr. Vaidya has received recognition for her innovative work:

• Stanford DARE (Diversifying Academia, Recruiting Excellence) scholarship recipient
• BBC World Service interview feature for her space-based solar power work
• Successful space launch of SBSP prototypes with SpaceX Transporter 6

As an academic advisor, Dr. Vaidya currently supervises multiple PhD students including Megan Perks and Diptendu Mandal. Her research is supported by significant projects including the Space Solar Power Initiative, which has progressed from concept to functional space prototypes. She has been instrumental in developing lightweight space-based solar power systems that have successfully demonstrated in-orbit operation.

The Vaidya Research Group serves as a bridge between novel concepts to break opto-electronic and photonic limits and the fabrication techniques needed to implement them. The group actively participates in major conferences including the Materials Research Society (MRS) conference, Space Power Workshop (SPW), and SPIE Optics and Photonics conference.