Frozen linear and nonlinear light. Frozen light refers to the observation that light inside particular media can be much brighter than outside it, essentially because it bounced around many times before leaving. Such light has many advantages which have applications in optical signal processing, lasers, and in other optical devices. Until now frozen light has only been studied in a small range of geometries and only at low intensities. In this fundamental research project we will investigate fr ....Frozen linear and nonlinear light. Frozen light refers to the observation that light inside particular media can be much brighter than outside it, essentially because it bounced around many times before leaving. Such light has many advantages which have applications in optical signal processing, lasers, and in other optical devices. Until now frozen light has only been studied in a small range of geometries and only at low intensities. In this fundamental research project we will investigate frozen light, its generation and its properties at low and high intensities, systematically, and we will assess how it can be harnessed for potential applications.Read moreRead less
New quantitative methods in X-ray imaging using crystal optics. This project will enhance Australian science's international leadership in the area of x-ray imaging. This powerful type of X-ray imaging, which makes use of optical elements made of perfect crystals, is specially tailored to image samples which are invisible to conventional x-ray techniques. Such "extended x-ray vision" is extremely important for imaging in medicine, biology and materials science. Furthermore, we will train x-ray s ....New quantitative methods in X-ray imaging using crystal optics. This project will enhance Australian science's international leadership in the area of x-ray imaging. This powerful type of X-ray imaging, which makes use of optical elements made of perfect crystals, is specially tailored to image samples which are invisible to conventional x-ray techniques. Such "extended x-ray vision" is extremely important for imaging in medicine, biology and materials science. Furthermore, we will train x-ray scientists of tomorrow, whose expertise will allow Australia to capitalize on its investment in the Australian Synchrotron.Read moreRead less
Novel effects of metamaterials on propagation and localisation of electromagnetic waves in photonic crystal structures. Australian science enjoys a long tradition of success and leadership in optical physics and, presently, Australia ranks amongst the leaders in nanophotonics. In order to maintain its position in a highly competitive field, new device designs, based on research into new concepts and new materials, is needed. This project explores the exciting new field of mixed media systems c ....Novel effects of metamaterials on propagation and localisation of electromagnetic waves in photonic crystal structures. Australian science enjoys a long tradition of success and leadership in optical physics and, presently, Australia ranks amongst the leaders in nanophotonics. In order to maintain its position in a highly competitive field, new device designs, based on research into new concepts and new materials, is needed. This project explores the exciting new field of mixed media systems comprising composite structures made from normal and meta-materials. It will deliver fundamental understanding of these systems and will explore potential new device applications based on this, in addition to enhancing research training needed to enhance Australia's international reputation in frontier technologies.Read moreRead less
Liquid light: aqueous bio-sensing in microstructured polymer optical fibres. This project builds on Australia's world-leading position in the development of microstructured polymer optical fibres, and applies the unique benefits they provide to for ultra- sensitive bio-sensing. By using the microstructure to simultaneously confine light and liquid, microstructured optical fibres provide a unique platform for ultra-sensitive spectroscopy and structural studies of biomolecules in solution. The wor ....Liquid light: aqueous bio-sensing in microstructured polymer optical fibres. This project builds on Australia's world-leading position in the development of microstructured polymer optical fibres, and applies the unique benefits they provide to for ultra- sensitive bio-sensing. By using the microstructure to simultaneously confine light and liquid, microstructured optical fibres provide a unique platform for ultra-sensitive spectroscopy and structural studies of biomolecules in solution. The work has profound implications both for fundamental science and applications, particularly in medical diagnostics.Read moreRead less
Beyond metamaterials: new composites for transforming photonics. Composites containing metamaterials, new materials with extraordinary electromagnetic properties, are opening new horizons in optical physics, with the potential to deliver a range of unprecedented functionalities. This project will clarify the exotic physics of these revolutionary new materials, leading to new photonics applications.
Better vibrations: controlling light with sound in semiconductor chips. Combining new concepts in the theory of nonlinear optics with advanced experiments, this project aims to develop smart waveguides that bind sound and light tightly together. Laser light and sound waves seem worlds apart, but in the right conditions we can make them interact: sound can change the colour of light. Harnessing this control of light in tiny waveguides on semiconductor chips would enable the development of unique ....Better vibrations: controlling light with sound in semiconductor chips. Combining new concepts in the theory of nonlinear optics with advanced experiments, this project aims to develop smart waveguides that bind sound and light tightly together. Laser light and sound waves seem worlds apart, but in the right conditions we can make them interact: sound can change the colour of light. Harnessing this control of light in tiny waveguides on semiconductor chips would enable the development of unique and useful optical devices, but trapping sound in chips is tremendously difficult. By exploiting untapped material properties, the project seeks to break limits on the freedom and strength of interactions between light and sound. Project outcomes may establish a new class of optical chips for optical sensing and analysis in fields from security to communications to the biosciences.Read moreRead less
Putting stimulated Brillouin scattering to work: tailored optical-phononic interactions for on-chip signal processing. Light interacts with sound via a phenomenon called Brillouin scattering, an effect which is of major importance in modern nonlinear optics but is very difficult to control. Our pioneering project will open the door to low power optical devices and other diverse innovations that will support Australia's needs in defence and communications.
Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: p ....Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: polymer materials, microstructured polymer fibres (mPOF) and nanoparticles. This project will build on our existing success in developing mPOF, and create major new opportunities, both in fundamental science and in applications that could and would be commercialised.Read moreRead less
DRAGONFLY: A revolutionary instrument for astronomical imaging. The vast distances in the galaxy have motivated the long-held dream of astronomers to build telescopes with enough magnification to zoom in on the intimate lives of stars. With a bold new approach, the Dragonfly instrument will make a major step in performance beyond existing technology, delivering images with an unmatched combination of high fidelity and resolution. A number of crucial questions await such a breakthrough in capab ....DRAGONFLY: A revolutionary instrument for astronomical imaging. The vast distances in the galaxy have motivated the long-held dream of astronomers to build telescopes with enough magnification to zoom in on the intimate lives of stars. With a bold new approach, the Dragonfly instrument will make a major step in performance beyond existing technology, delivering images with an unmatched combination of high fidelity and resolution. A number of crucial questions await such a breakthrough in capability. How do stars form? What happens as they die? Are planetary systems common? Demonstrated success with this instrument will place it at the forefront of astronomical imaging worldwide, providing a vital element in the case for justifying the next generation of large telescopes.Read moreRead less
Light Emission and Localization in Photonic Clusters and Random Lasers. Recent experimental advances have exhibited surprising optical properties of artificial and natural systems structured on the scale of the wavelength of light. We will model numerically such systems, providing insights into the way radiation from atoms placed in them can be changed, light scattering can lead to lasers without mirrors, their fine structure can result in colours which never fade, and light can be localized or ....Light Emission and Localization in Photonic Clusters and Random Lasers. Recent experimental advances have exhibited surprising optical properties of artificial and natural systems structured on the scale of the wavelength of light. We will model numerically such systems, providing insights into the way radiation from atoms placed in them can be changed, light scattering can lead to lasers without mirrors, their fine structure can result in colours which never fade, and light can be localized or trapped in three dimensions.Read moreRead less