Microstructured polymer interconnects for photonic devices. Efficient interconnection of photonic components is the most critical research problem facing the photonics industry in its efforts for integration. In this project, interconnects for photonic systems will be developed, utilising a recently developed new class of fibres - microstructured optical fibres, which have been called 'the next generation' of optical fibres because of their ability to produce a variety of tailorisable optical ef ....Microstructured polymer interconnects for photonic devices. Efficient interconnection of photonic components is the most critical research problem facing the photonics industry in its efforts for integration. In this project, interconnects for photonic systems will be developed, utilising a recently developed new class of fibres - microstructured optical fibres, which have been called 'the next generation' of optical fibres because of their ability to produce a variety of tailorisable optical effects. Specially designed and modified microstructured fibres will be developed to achieve efficient coupling from fibre to planar waveguide circuits, and to a range of photonic band gap devices that are currently being developed by the industry partner.Read moreRead less
Numerically Robust Extruder Die Design for Fabricating High-Quality Preforms for Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibres. Microstructural polymer optical fibres (mPOFs) were pioneered in Australia, are now comparable in performance (but much more versatile) than conventional polymer fibre, and are a highly attractive commercial option. Potential industrial applications envisage cost-effective preform fabrication as a key issue, with extrusion as the favoured route. This interdisciplinary project ....Numerically Robust Extruder Die Design for Fabricating High-Quality Preforms for Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibres. Microstructural polymer optical fibres (mPOFs) were pioneered in Australia, are now comparable in performance (but much more versatile) than conventional polymer fibre, and are a highly attractive commercial option. Potential industrial applications envisage cost-effective preform fabrication as a key issue, with extrusion as the favoured route. This interdisciplinary project benefits Australia by (i) extending and exploiting our research advantages in advanced photonics and computational rheology, (ii) providing the 'missing link' for large-scale mPOF production and positioning us to reap the economic benefits of this innovative technology, and (iii) providing computational techniques for rheological modelling that are applicable in diverse Australian industry sectors.Read moreRead less