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
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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100240
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Deterministic photonic quantum gates by amplified optical nonlinearities. Quantum devices will reshape future technology in ways similar to the information revolution heralded by modern computing. This proposal will combine theoretic advances in optical sciences with cutting-edge materials to build photonic quantum gates, removing the last major roadblock on the path to photonic quantum computers and simulators.
Geometry variation and coupling of single gold nanorods for highly efficient, one-photon and two-photon luminescent markers. The search for highly efficient, non toxic and stable luminescence markers is continuing for many applications in bio- and nano-photonics. The project's study of gold nanorod luminescence is designed to fundamentally understand and control the luminescence quantum efficiency of gold nanorod and ultimately unveil its potential as the future marker.
Multi-colour ultrashort soft X-ray pulses. This project aims to create multi-colour, ultrashort, highly coherent, bright pulses of soft X-rays based on high-harmonic generation in a table-top multiple-section gas cell. Studying multi-electronic and non-adiabatic processes and other fundamental aspects such as multi-electronic correlations and non-Born-Oppenheimer vibronic couplings in complex molecules is a major challenge in current ultrafast photochemistry research. This project will use multi ....Multi-colour ultrashort soft X-ray pulses. This project aims to create multi-colour, ultrashort, highly coherent, bright pulses of soft X-rays based on high-harmonic generation in a table-top multiple-section gas cell. Studying multi-electronic and non-adiabatic processes and other fundamental aspects such as multi-electronic correlations and non-Born-Oppenheimer vibronic couplings in complex molecules is a major challenge in current ultrafast photochemistry research. This project will use multiple driving pulses with different carrier frequencies to control the spectral properties and time delay of the pulses. It will use the soft X-ray source to develop an ideal platform for studying multi-electronic and non-adiabatic processes, multi-electronic correlations and non-Born-Oppenheimer vibronic couplings in complex molecules. This is expected to advance materials science, paving the way to soft X-ray technologies.Read moreRead less
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.