Topical Meeting on Photonics (TMP2025)
The Topical Meeting on Photonics (TMP2025) will take place on August 5, 2025, at Akademia Siber Teknopolis (AST), UKM. This conference aims to foster strategic collaborations, showcase local expertise, and support the development of Malaysia’s photonics community. Researchers, academics, and professionals are invited to submit original research papers on photonics and its applications.
The Submission is Open!
We cordially invite all participants to submit their papers for this event. Key dates are as follows:
- Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: June 5, 2025
- Registration Deadline: July 5, 2025
Accepted Papers
All accepted papers will be presented as poster presentations during the conference and published in Jurnal Optoelektronik, an open-access journal supported by the IEEE Photonics Society, Malaysia Chapter. Manuscripts should be prepared with a maximum length of three (3) pages , following the conference format.
TMP2025 welcomes submissions in the following categories:
- Research Articles – Full-length original research contributions with significant findings.
- Review Papers – Critical and comprehensive analyses of recent advancements in photonics.
- Short Communications – Brief reports on innovative research findings or methodologies
To recognize outstanding contributions, TMP2025 will present the Best Paper Award and Best Student Paper Award to selected works.
TMP2025 Speakers
The event will also feature a keynote speaker and several topical invited speakers, who will present on cutting-edge photonics technologies and emerging trends, based on their areas of expertise. The list of speakers is available in the Call for Papers (CFP) poster.
Conference Fees
- IEEE Member: RM150
- Non-IEEE Member: RM200
TMP2025 offers a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and innovation in the field of photonics. We encourage researchers to submit their work and be part of this impactful discussion.
For submission guidelines and inquiries, please visit the official website : https://tmp2025.
or contact the organizing committee at: tmp2025myips@gmail.com
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- Akademia Siber Teknopolis (AST)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Bangi, Selangor
- Malaysia 43600
- Building: Auditorium Akademia Siber Teknopolis UKM (AST)
- Contact Event Host
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TMP2025 is proudly co-organized in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), reflecting a strong institutional partnership that supports the advancement of photonics research in Malaysia. Hosted at UKM’s Akademia Siber Teknopolis, the event is also supported by UKM staff and students, many of whom are actively involved as organizing committee members and invited speakers.
- Co-sponsored by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Speakers
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Zan of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Advancing Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing in Malaysia: From Fundamental to Application
Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) is an advanced sensing technology for measuring and monitoring physical parameters across large areas. In this talk, a comprehensive overview of key technologies that form the foundation of DFOS: Brillouin-based DFOS such as Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR), Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA), and Rayleigh-based Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) will be explained. Each of these technologies will be explored in terms of their principles, operational mechanisms, and unique advantages for real-time, high-resolution sensing over long distances. The second part of the talk will focus on the advancement of DFOS technology in Malaysia, from its early research stages to its potential applications in various sectors. We will explore several techniques that have been proposed to improve the signal processing, sensor sensitivity, noise management. While field-deployable systems are still under development, this presentation will highlight ongoing research efforts aimed at pushing the technology towards practical deployment.
Biography:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Zan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical, Electronic & Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He received his B.Eng. from Waseda University in 2006, followed by his M.Eng. (2011) and D.Eng. (2014) from the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan, where he also served as a postdoctoral research fellow from 2017 to 2018. His research specializes in distributed fiber optic sensor (DFOS) technologies, including Brillouin-based methods (BOTDA, BOTDR), Rayleigh-based sensing (DAS), and Fiber Bragg Grating systems, with a strong focus on signal processing for enhanced sensing performance. Dr. Saiful has authored over 40 journal and conference publications in the area of fiber optic sensors, as indexed in Scopus, demonstrating his active and sustained contributions to the field. He is engaged in collaborative research with academic and research institutions in Malaysia, Japan, and Russia, working on both the theoretical development and application of DFOS technologies—particularly for structural health monitoring. Dr. Saiful is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a Senior Member of OPTICA (formerly the Optical Society of America), in recognition of his professional achievements in photonic sensing and optical engineering.
Address:Department of Electrical, Electronic & Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, 43600
Dr Mohd Hafiz Abu Bakar of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
Broadband LRSPR Sensing for High-Viscosity Liquids
This study presents the development and performance evaluation of a broadband wavelength-interrogated Long-Range Surface Plasmon Resonance (LRSPR) sensor for the sensitive detection of high-viscosity liquids, including edible oils and oil mixtures. The sensor's extended propagation distance of surface plasmons allows for precise detection of refractive index changes in high-viscosity samples. Initially, the sensor was applied to the detection of the carcinogen dinitrochlorobenzene in edible oils, where it demonstrated a strong correlation (R² = 0.9536) between wavelength shifts and contaminant concentration. The sensor achieved high sensitivity (0.0153 nm/ppm) in palm oil samples, with a superior figure of merit (FOM) and resolution, surpassing conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) systems. Further investigation explored the sensor's performance across temperatures ranging from 30°C to 70°C. The results revealed that at higher temperatures, the resonance wavelength shifted to shorter wavelengths (blue shift), while the full width at half maximum (FWHM) increased and the peak intensity decreased, indicating a broader and less intense spectral response. The broadband LRSPR sensor reliably detected high-viscosity oil mixtures, with increased sensitivity for concentrations ranging from 0% to 45% at elevated temperatures. At lower temperatures, detection capability was limited due to the increased viscosity of the samples. These findings demonstrate that broadband LRSPR is a promising technique for detecting and monitoring high-viscosity liquids, offering potential applications in industrial processes, environmental monitoring, and quality control, where temperature variations are common.
Biography:
Mohd Hafiz Abu Bakar received his B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Chemistry in 2018 and his Ph.D. in 2022, specializing in optical chemical sensors, both from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Power Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional Malaysia. His research focuses on the functionalization of polymers and organic materials as active sensing layers for optical detection in complex media such as water and oil. A core area of his work involves the development of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors, with a particular emphasis on long-range SPR (LRSPR) configurations that employ wavelength interrogation techniques. He is actively exploring the application of LRSPR for the detection and monitoring of oil samples, aiming to enable high-sensitivity, real-time analysis suitable for industrial environments. His efforts include optimizing the plasmonic interface and sensor design to enhance performance in viscous and optically challenging samples such as lubricating and insulating oils.
Ts ChM Dr Nur Hidayah AZEMAN of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
From Chemistry to Sensing: Designing Functional Materials for Enhanced Optical Sensor Sensitivity
The development of high-sensitivity optical sensing devices is critically dependent on the incorporation of well-engineered sensing materials. Polysaccharides and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding physicochemical properties and structural tunability. This presentation highlights critical considerations in the design of such materials for the sensitive recognition of target analytes, emphasizing both physical and chemical modifications that enhance their performance. By tailoring their structures—particularly through the introduction or modification of functional groups—these materials can be optimized to enhance interactions with analytes, such as hydrogen bonding, coordination, or electrostatic attraction. The integration of polysaccharides and MOFs with optical sensing platforms is expected to improve detection sensitivity in complex environments. This talk underscores the role of structural design in transforming these materials into high-performance components of optical sensors.
Biography:
Dr. Nur Hidayah Azeman obtained her B.Sc. in Resource Chemistry from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in 2009, followed by a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Smart Sensing Materials from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2012 and 2017, respectively. She was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), from 2017 to 2022. Currently, she holds the position of Research Fellow at the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), UKM. Her research expertise lies in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced sensing materials for optical sensor applications. Dr. Azeman's work primarily focuses on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), polymers, carbon-based materials, and their integration into chemical and optical sensors. With a keen interest in the development of innovative materials for real-world applications, she has contributed to advancing the field of smart sensing technologies.
Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Nurul Asyikin MOHAMED RADZI of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
Transformer-Based Machine Learning for Optical Sensing in Smart Photocatalytic Degradation Systems
Optical sensors play a crucial role in environmental monitoring and material science, providing valuable spectral data for advanced analytical applications. However, traditional analytical methods without machine learning often rely on linear assumptions, manual feature selection, and limited data integration, making them less effective for capturing complex relationships in material performance. These limitations hinder the accurate prediction of photocatalytic efficiency, especially when dealing with diverse nanocomposite structures and varying environmental conditions. This study explores the potential of Transformer-based machine learning (ML) models for analyzing copper-based nanocomposites in photocatalytic dye degradation. Unlike conventional ML approaches that rely solely on either tabular or image data, our framework integrates both data types to enhance predictive accuracy. The objectives of this research are to develop a comprehensive dataset of copper-based nanocomposites and their photocatalytic efficiency, design machine learning models to predict degradation performance, and evaluate their performance against existing predictive methods. Our methodology involves dataset curation, feature extraction, and training transformer models with multi-modal data integration. Comparative analysis with traditional models demonstrates that the proposed approach significantly improves prediction accuracy, offering a robust tool for optimizing nanocomposite design in environmental applications.
Biography:
Nurul Asyikin Mohamed Radzi received her PhD. in Engineering, MEE and BEEE (Hons.) from Universiti Tenaga Nasional in the year 2013, 2010 and 2008, respectively. She is currently an Associate Professor and Head of Research Grants for Innovation & Research Management Centre, Universiti Tenaga Nasional. Her research interests include electric vehicle, smart grid communication, smart optical sensing and data analytics. She has contributed 80 technical papers in various journals and conferences. She is a Professional Engineer, Chartered Engineer for IET, Professional Technologist and a Senior Member for IEEE.
Mohd Norzaliman MOHD ZAIN of MIMOS Berhad
Quantifying Palm Oil Quality Using Inline NIR Spectroscopy Analyzer
Palm oil is a globally important commodity, with Indonesia and Malaysia as the leading producers. Malaysia, in particular, upholds sustainability through initiatives such as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification. Despite these efforts, the industry continues to face challenges related to environmental impact, climate variability, and the need for consistent quality control across production processes. To address these issues, INSPECTRA—a real-time, inline Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy analyzer—has been introduced as an advanced solution for crude palm oil (CPO) quality monitoring. The system enables rapid, non-destructive, and reagent-free measurement of critical quality parameters, including free fatty acids (FFA), oil content, water content, and non-oil solids. INSPECTRA integrates chemometric modelling and predictive algorithms for real-time classification and quantification, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the quality assessment process. Its inline optical sensor probe is engineered to withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for continuous industrial monitoring. By minimizing manual sampling and providing reliable, real-time data, INSPECTRA supports process optimization, reduces operational costs, and aligns with both MSPO and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standards. Beyond palm oil, its adaptable design offers potential applications in agriculture and food processing, reinforcing its value as a versatile tool for sustainable production and environmental stewardship.
Biography:
Mohd Norzaliman Mohd Zain is a senior researcher at the Photonics R&D Laboratory, MIMOS Berhad, with over two decades of experience in optical sensing and photonics technologies. He earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics in 1996, followed by a Master of Science (Research) in Micro-Nanoelectronics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2014. His areas of expertise include photonic measurement systems such as single-photon detection, phase fluorometry, quantum cryptography, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based optical sensors. He has been actively involved in the development of quantum communication systems including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG). His work also extends to chemical optical sensors for environmental monitoring and aquaculture applications. Since joining MIMOS Berhad in 1998, Mohd Norzaliman has led or contributed to various national research projects funded by MOSTI. These include the development of nanofiber-based optical sensors, non-contact optical interferometry for biomedical use, and QKD systems deployed via both free-space and fiber-optic channels. Through innovative research and interdisciplinary work, he has established himself as an experience and knowledgably in photonics and quantum technology in Malaysia. He remains committed to advancing high-impact technological solutions in the fields of secure communication, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and food industry applications. He has authored and co-authored more than 10 publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. His contributions also include over 10 patents, both local and international, in the areas of optical sensing, food freshness detection systems, and quantum-based secure communication technologies.
Dr Fazliyana 'Izzati ZA'ABAR of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Tuning MoS2 Properties via Sulfurization and Sputtering for Optoelectronic Applications
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a layered two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC), exhibits strong light–matter interactions, tunable bandgaps, and remarkable optical anisotropy, making it a compelling candidate for emerging photonic and optoelectronic applications. The intrinsic defects in MoS₂, particularly sulfur vacancies, play a central role in determining its electronic, optical, and electrochemical properties. However, achieving precise control over defect concentration, crystallinity, and conductivity remains a significant synthesis challenge. This work reports on the controlled fabrication of MoS2 thin films using vapor-phase sulfurization and radio-frequency (RF) sputtering, focusing on tuning film quality through variations in temperature, sulfurization time, and chamber pressure. Emphasis is placed on key findings from the dual approach: (1) the modulation of electrical and optical properties via growth temperature, pressure, and sulfurization time, and (2) the correlation between Raman-active defect modes and conductivity type transitions (n-type ↔ p-type). Transitions between n-type and p-type conductivity are linked to sulfur vacancy dynamics, while morphological studies reveal enhanced grain compaction and surface uniformity under optimized processing conditions. By correlating synthesis conditions with electrical, morphological, and defect-related behavior, this work demonstrates the potential of MoS2 not only as a functional layer in thin-film photovoltaics but also as an active material for photodetectors, waveguides, and modulators. Supported by recent literature on nonlinear optics, exciton–plasmon coupling, and hybrid nanophotonic integration, MoS2 emerges as a tunable, scalable platform for next-generation light-based technologies.
Biography:
Dr. Fazliyana 'Izzati Za'abar is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Photonics Technology Research Laboratory, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She earned her PhD in Industrial Science from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), with a dissertation focused on optimizing molybdenum-based back contacts for CIGS thin-film solar cell applications. Her academic path includes a Master of Science in Physics by Research from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, where she specialized in the automated detection and imaging of ductal carcinoma using Raman microspectroscopy, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, where she also conducted research in bacterial motility and chemotaxis modeling. With extensive experience in photovoltaics, thin-film coatings, and materials characterization, her expertise spans high-vacuum deposition techniques, Raman spectroscopy, semiconductor physics, and thin-film materials. Notably, she played a key role in establishing an ISO 7 cleanroom facility for solar cell R&D at UNITEN, including the development of standard operating procedures and training modules for vacuum deposition systems. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and holds several copyrights for thin-film deposition processes. Additionally, she has contributed to a national renewable energy project, secured competitive research grants, and mentored students in sustainable materials development. Beyond research, she has held academic appointments and contributed to curriculum development in physics and engineering mathematics. She also actively engages with the scientific community as a journal reviewer and serves in leadership roles for international conferences on photovoltaic and sustainable energy. Her work reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, research excellence, and the advancement of sustainable technologies.
Ir Ts Dr Maizatul ZOLKAPLI of Universiti Teknologi MARA
Development and Characterization of a Luminescent Probe-Based Optical Fiber Oxygen Sensor
The accurate and real-time monitoring of oxygen concentration is vital in various fields including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, industrial process control, and aquatic ecosystem management. This study presents the development and characterization of an optical fiber oxygen sensor utilizing luminescent probes as the sensing element. The sensor is based on the principle of luminescence quenching, whereby the intensity or lifetime of luminescent emission from specific dyes decreases in the presence of molecular oxygen. In this work, a ruthenium-based complex was immobilized on the tip of a silica optical fiber using a sol-gel matrix, forming a stable and sensitive sensing layer. The optical setup comprises a blue LED as the excitation source, a bifurcated fiber optic system for simultaneous excitation and signal collection, and a photodetector connected to a spectrometer for emission analysis. The sensor's performance was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, response time, repeatability, and long-term stability under varying oxygen concentrations in both gaseous and aqueous environments. Experimental results demonstrate a clear correlation between the luminescent intensity and the oxygen concentration, with high sensitivity observed in the low oxygen concentration range. The sensor exhibited a response time of less than 10 seconds, good linearity, and minimal signal drift over time. Additionally, the probe showed excellent selectivity, with negligible interference from humidity or temperature fluctuations under controlled conditions. The findings confirm the feasibility and reliability of using luminescent probe-based optical fiber technology for oxygen sensing applications. The developed sensor is compact, cost-effective, and suitable for integration into portable monitoring systems. Future work will focus on further miniaturization, multiplexing for multi-parameter sensing, and deployment in real-world environmental and biomedical settings.
Biography:
Ir. Dr. Maizatul Zolkapli holds a Ph.D. from Universiti Teknologi MARA, with specialization in semiconductor and fiber optic technologies, focusing on microfluidic transistors and optical fiber sensors. She began her career in the semiconductor industry with roles at Silterra Malaysia and Freescale Semiconductor before joining academia. With over 15 years of experience, she has authored more than 50 publications indexed in Scopus, with over 300 citations. Her work has led to multiple copyrights in fiber optic sensors, IoT-based systems, and material optimization. In recognition of her commitment to community engagement, she received the Special Award: Best Community Service Network at the 2024 University Academic Awards—UiTM’s highest academic honor.
Dr Muhammad Yusof MOHD NOOR of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
AI-Powered MMI Coreless Optical Fiber Sensors: Advancing MMI Sensor for Wide-Range RI Detection
A supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm is proposed for measuring refractive index (RI) values both below and above the RI of the fiber material using a multimode interference (MMI) fiber sensor. The sensor is constructed by splicing a coreless multimode fiber (CMF) segment between two single-mode fiber (SMF) leads. Measurement of low and high RI regimes is accomplished through the decision tree (DT) regression algorithm. The trained model algorithm demonstrates a wide dynamic range in RI measurement, covering the ranges of 1.30–1.39 (low RI regime) and 1.46–1.55 (high RI regime) without any RI ambiguity, achieving model accuracy of 99.77%. The guided and leaky modes mechanisms within the all-silica-based structure of the CMF are fundamentally insensitive to temperature, making it highly practical for deployment in conditions with varying temperatures without the need for any compensating scheme. This work highlights that AI-powered MMI optical fiber sensors represent the next generation of photonic sensing systems, offering highly accurate, wide-range refractive index measurements with enhanced robustness against temperature variations.
Biography:
Muhammad Yusof Mohd Noor is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. His doctoral research focused on specialty optical fiber sensor in biomedical applications. His current research interests encompass the development of fiber-based sensing techniques and the application of fiber sensing technology in engineering fields, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence into optical fiber sensor.
Dr Wan Maisarah MUKHTAR of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
Fabrication of Plasmonic Tapered Microfibers for Optical Trapping Applications
Tapered microfibers are attracting significant interest due to their potential to improve optical trapping efficiency in nanotechnology and biomedical fields. The primary aim of this study is to fabricate various tapered microfiber structures, including bi-tapered fibers, micro-peanut probes, and one-sided tapered probes, using heating-pulling and cleaving methods. These structures are designed to strengthen the evanescent field for optical trapping applications. To optimize surface plasmon resonance generation, the fabricated tapered fibers are coated with noble metals—gold nanoparticles and platinum thin films—using drop casting and sputtering techniques, respectively. The hybrid coating of gold nanorods and platinum on the micro-peanut probe structure successfully excites surface plasmon polariton by up to 90%. In conclusion, the enhanced tapered probe, featuring a plasmonic-based micro-peanut structure, effectively generates strong evanescent waves for optical trapping applications.
Biography:
Wan Maisarah Mukhtar received her PhD in Microengineering and Nanoelectronics specialized in Nanophotonics from Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Currently, she is working in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) as senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology and a researcher under Photonics Research Laboratory. Her research interest includes surface plasmon resonance, plasmonic materials, optoelectronics devices and optical sensors for food safety and water security applications.
Agenda
8:00AM - 9:00AM Registration
9:00AM - 9:10AM Opening Remark
9:10AM - 9:50AM Keynote Speaker: Associate Professor Dr Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly ZAN
Advancing Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing in Malaysia: From Fundamental to Application
10:00AM - 12:00PM Topical Invited Speakers
12:00PM - 2:30PM Poster Session
1:00PM - 2:30PM Lunch Break
2:30PM - 5:00PM Topical Invited Speakers
Dismiss 5:00PM