His research interests lie at the interface of fundamental nonlinear optics, fiber optics, laser development, and the application of such sources to real-world problems.
His research can be broadly split into two main themes: the development of visible and near-infrared laser sources for various biomedical imaging applications, such as super-resolution and multi-photon microscopy techniques; further into the mid-infrared, Robbie is developing novel mid-infrared light sources for spectroscopic and defense applications. He currently holds funding from both UK and international sources, including the Royal Society and the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development.