Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal Statement
I graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics with Semiconductor Electronics and did a Ph.D. at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, theoretically and computationally modelling nonlinear optical systems. After a career break to raise my children, I worked in the Optics Group at the University of Glasgow investigating microrheology and optical tweezers before returning to Strathclyde to work in quantum optics. I am currently a senior lecturer in the Computational and Nonlinear Optics Group at the University of Strathclyde, Deputy Director of Teaching, and lead the Fully-Structured Light Group (FOAM).
I was delighted and honoured to be awarded the "Best Teacher in Faculty of Science" at Strathclyde Union Teaching Excellence Awards 2019, a Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Innovation in 2019, and a Strathclyde Medal in 2020.
Research Interests
My research is based upon the generation and applications of structured light, in particular light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). It ranges from understanding the fundamental properties of this light to investigating its behaviour in various nonlinear systems, including demonstrating for the first time the mechanism behind optical rogue waves, to potential applications in quantum communication, ocean optics, nonlinear beam propagation and interaction with chiral molecules.
Teaching Interests
I am the Deputy Director of Teaching for the Department of Physics.
I currently teach 1st year mechanics and electromagnetism in PH183: Mechanics & Waves and PH184: Electromagnetism & Quantum Physics, and optical angular momentum as part of PH562 Adv. Topics in Quantum Optics.
Keywords
- Quantum optics
- Orbital angular momentum
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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DTP 2224 University of Strathclyde | Scott, Finlay
Yao, A. (Principal Investigator), Robb, G. (Co-investigator) & Scott, F. (Research Co-investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/24 → 1/04/28
Project: Research Studentship - Internally Allocated
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EPSRC Vacation Internship
Henderson, G. (Principal Investigator), Roberts, J. (Researcher) & Yao, A. (Co-investigator)
3/06/24 → 9/08/24
Project: Research - Studentship
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Robust chiral optical force via electric dipole interactions, inspired by a sea creature
Cameron, R. P., McArthur, D., Yao, A. M., Vogeley, N. & Wang, D., 3 Dec 2024, Ithaca, NY, 12 p.Research output: Working paper › Working Paper/Preprint
Open AccessFile -
Structuring atoms with structured light: optomechanical self-organization and transport in cold atomic gases
Baio, G., Ackemann, T., Oppo, G.-L., Robb, G. & Yao, A., 11 Sept 2023.Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
Datasets
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Data for: "Scattering of light with angular momentum from an array of particles"
McArthur, D. (Creator), Yao, A. (Creator) & Papoff, F. (Creator), University of Strathclyde, 12 Dec 2019
DOI: 10.15129/bf3afca3-c9b5-4d2a-86ba-4ee9157cb43b
Dataset
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Data for: "Optical helicity of interfering waves"
Cameron, R. P. (Creator), Barnett, S. M. (Creator) & Yao, A. M. (Creator), figshare, 20 Jan 2023
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.966547.v1
Dataset
Prizes
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"Best in Faculty" Teaching Excellence Award 2019
Yao, A. (Recipient), 2019
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Innovation 2019
Yao, A. (Recipient), 2019
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Optics Letters (Journal)
Yao, A. (Editor)
1 Sept 2025 → …Activity: Publication Peer-Review and Editorial Work › Editorial board member
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Structured light in hot and cold gases
Yao, A. (Speaker)
20 Mar 2024 → 21 Mar 2024Activity: Talk or Presentation › Invited talk