Thomas is a PhD student working across Prof. Hirst’s group in Physics and the Quantum Technology group at Toshiba Research Europe. His research focuses on developing single-photon detectors (SPADs) made of III-V materials for next-generation quantum technologies, such as quantum key distribution. To this aim, he utilizes an understanding of both fundamental materials science and applied photonics to fabricate, test, and deploy novel devices. 

Before coming to Cambridge, he earned an integrated Master’s in Physics at the University of Bath. In his final year project, he used molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to grow monolayer NiI2 crystals and spin polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to examine their structure and magneto-electric dynamics. He is also a member of the Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre (NanoDTC) and joined the group in fall 2025.

PhD supervisors: Prof. Louise Hirst, Dr Mark Stevenson

Research topic: Single photon avalanche diodes for quantum networks