Thomas Murphy

Thomas Murphy is an Affiliate Professor at the University of Maryland, leading the Photonics Research Lab. His work focuses on integrated optics, nanophotonic devices, nonlinear dynamics, and terahertz photonics. Key research goals include advancing optical communication and sensor systems through novel device designs and techniques.

Students under his advisement include Dr. Trisha Chakraborty (PhD 2025) and Dr. Evan Dowling (PhD 2024). His lab has produced notable contributions in graphene-based photodetectors, aluminum nitride electrooptic sensing, and terahertz antenna technology. Recent publications emphasize metal-free microwave receivers and cryogenic optical couplers.

Research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining plasmonics, nonlinear optics, and quantum materials. Applications span high-speed communications, remote sensing, and astronomical instrumentation. No specific awards are listed, but his work has been featured in journals like Optica.

His lab collaborates on advanced photonics systems, including 3D fiber-to-chip couplers and ultra-broadband detectors. Ongoing projects involve synthetic optical spaces and entropy-driven photon counting systems.