I am interested in light – how we can explain it, make it, and use it. In particular, how modern technology enables us to fabricate wavelength-scale structures which are then synthetic optical materials with previously unimaginable properties. Much of my time has been spent on developing photonic crystal fibres – a new technology for fibre design which has enabled new capabilities in fibre optics, and led to applications in areas as diverse as new light sources, high power laser delivery, and atomic physics. I work in the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials, within which we run a high-specification fibre fabrication area so that we can make and test new structures. I work closely with external partners including both Universities and Industry. My primary driver has been to discover new optical physics which can be used to do useful things.