Optically resonant dielectric structures for nanophotonics. This project aims to develop a novel research program underpinning the rapid development of a new generation of low-loss nanophotonics based on the physics of optically resonant dielectric nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles are the best candidates for the emerging field of metadevices with unique functionalities well beyond the capabilities of currently existing devices. The project aims to explore the confluence of subwavelength photoni ....Optically resonant dielectric structures for nanophotonics. This project aims to develop a novel research program underpinning the rapid development of a new generation of low-loss nanophotonics based on the physics of optically resonant dielectric nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles are the best candidates for the emerging field of metadevices with unique functionalities well beyond the capabilities of currently existing devices. The project aims to explore the confluence of subwavelength photonics, metamaterial concepts, graphene physics, and nonlinear optics. The expected outcomes of this research will enable the design and world-first experimental demonstration of ultra-thin, tunable, and low-loss metadevices for novel optical technologies with unique energy harvesting, switching, and sensing functionalities.Read moreRead less
Optical frequency conversion in nonlinear dielectric metasurfaces. This project aims to investigate the mixing of light colours in semiconductor nanocrystals arranged in an ultra-thin transparent film, called a nonlinear metasurface. Understanding of the resonant nonlinear interactions in such metasurfaces will allow for the up and down frequency conversion of light beams and images with efficiencies well beyond current capabilities. The outcomes of the project will form the basis for novel cost ....Optical frequency conversion in nonlinear dielectric metasurfaces. This project aims to investigate the mixing of light colours in semiconductor nanocrystals arranged in an ultra-thin transparent film, called a nonlinear metasurface. Understanding of the resonant nonlinear interactions in such metasurfaces will allow for the up and down frequency conversion of light beams and images with efficiencies well beyond current capabilities. The outcomes of the project will form the basis for novel cost-effective and compact devices for infrared imaging, and will also enable ultra-fast sources of quantum light with tailored spatial and spectral correlations. These will benefit important applications in defence and security, including night vision, security holograms, quantum cryptography and communications.Read moreRead less
Synthetic multi-dimensional integrated photonics. This project aims to develop and realise experimentally integrated circuits where light propagation mimics dynamics in arbitrarily complex imaginary photonic lattices. The project puts forward a universal and mass-fabrication compatible design concept of planar optical structures featuring unconventional synthetic multi-dimensional properties, which can also be reconfigured in real time. This underpins expected outcomes in optical detection with ....Synthetic multi-dimensional integrated photonics. This project aims to develop and realise experimentally integrated circuits where light propagation mimics dynamics in arbitrarily complex imaginary photonic lattices. The project puts forward a universal and mass-fabrication compatible design concept of planar optical structures featuring unconventional synthetic multi-dimensional properties, which can also be reconfigured in real time. This underpins expected outcomes in optical detection with fundamentally enhanced sensitivity and optical signal switching with ultra-low threshold. The benefits of such breakthrough improvements can have broad applications spanning from future optical communication networks to optical sensors for monitoring and health applications.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100679
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,775.00
Summary
Disruptive nanotechnology to control light. The project aims to develop approaches to control propagation of light in nonreciprocal ways, similar to ways we control directions of electric currents with semiconductor diodes and transistors. Nonreciprocal behaviour of light is difficult to achieve, and it is currently limited to relatively large optical systems, which represents a road block for further miniaturisation and integration of optical devices. Expected outcomes of this project include f ....Disruptive nanotechnology to control light. The project aims to develop approaches to control propagation of light in nonreciprocal ways, similar to ways we control directions of electric currents with semiconductor diodes and transistors. Nonreciprocal behaviour of light is difficult to achieve, and it is currently limited to relatively large optical systems, which represents a road block for further miniaturisation and integration of optical devices. Expected outcomes of this project include first demonstrations of a radical miniaturisation of nonreciprocal optical components to the nanoscale. The outcomes should enrich our fundamental knowledge and assist the advancement of vital technologies such as integrated optical circuitry and communication infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Rogue waves in realistic situations. Rapid progress in rogue wave research internationally requires the further development of an accurate theory of extreme waves in deep water and in optical fibers. Such progress is a necessity for our ability to predict their appearance in the ocean or their use in optics. This project will enhance the modelling of extreme waves by taking into account higher order effects such as third order dispersion, self-steepening and time delayed response, as well as dis ....Rogue waves in realistic situations. Rapid progress in rogue wave research internationally requires the further development of an accurate theory of extreme waves in deep water and in optical fibers. Such progress is a necessity for our ability to predict their appearance in the ocean or their use in optics. This project will enhance the modelling of extreme waves by taking into account higher order effects such as third order dispersion, self-steepening and time delayed response, as well as dissipative and higher order nonlinear terms. These are essential for a precise description of both giant waves in the ocean and strong pulses in optics. Read moreRead less
All-optical reconfigurable interconnects in nematic liquid crystals. This project aims to explore the unique features of nematic liquid crystals with giant non-local nonlinearity for shaping, routing, and guiding light for all-optical photonic devices, aiming to uncover and realise the potential of long range interaction between laser light and liquid crystals for all-optical computing.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100099
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Materials for high data storage capacity quantum devices. This project aims to create a quantum memory with a data storage capacity approaching the fundamental limit by developing a class of memory materials based on rare earth ions in crystals. Quantum memories with high data storage capacities, long storage time and high efficiency are the outstanding component for quantum communication technology, which could change communications systems. Rare earth ions are the only platform to have shown l ....Materials for high data storage capacity quantum devices. This project aims to create a quantum memory with a data storage capacity approaching the fundamental limit by developing a class of memory materials based on rare earth ions in crystals. Quantum memories with high data storage capacities, long storage time and high efficiency are the outstanding component for quantum communication technology, which could change communications systems. Rare earth ions are the only platform to have shown long storage times and high efficiencies, and this project aims to add the capability for high data storage capacity, creating a quantum memory that satisfies all three vital requirements for quantum communications applications.Read moreRead less
Rogue waves in oceans and optical fibres. Rogue waves can sink large ships in the ocean. They appear more commonly than previously thought. Optical rogue waves, the laboratory counterparts of extreme ocean waves, will allow the project to study the main features of the phenomenon, provide the theoretical explanation for their existence and potentially help to eliminate these catastrophic events.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100067
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
A femtosecond Mmd-IR optical parametric amplifier source for waveguide nonlinear optics. The mid-infrared is an immensely important region of the optical spectrum for sensing toxic or illicit molecules or pollutants using their spectral fingerprints. The equipment will facilitate the development of new techniques for sensing based on nonlinear processes in waveguides.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100250
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Opto-acoustic metasurfaces. This project aims to develop efficient nanoscale light and sound sources and merge them on an extra-thin surface. Interactions between light and sound waves at the macroscopic scale are used every day, such as in non-destructive testing and contact-less imaging. However, research into nanoscale light-sound interactions is new and has not realised its full potential. This project intends to develop ultra-compact sources of light and sound, tune them effectively, harnes ....Opto-acoustic metasurfaces. This project aims to develop efficient nanoscale light and sound sources and merge them on an extra-thin surface. Interactions between light and sound waves at the macroscopic scale are used every day, such as in non-destructive testing and contact-less imaging. However, research into nanoscale light-sound interactions is new and has not realised its full potential. This project intends to develop ultra-compact sources of light and sound, tune them effectively, harness them simultaneously, and convert one to another efficiently, all crucial for real-world applications. This research is expected to improve technologies that use light and sound, including microscopy and spectroscopy.Read moreRead less