Nanoscale nonlinear optics. Advances in nanotechnology have led to the realisation of nanoscale photonic components that enable integration within electronic chips. Now the challenge is to make these components perform computing functions themselves, thus providing ultra-high operation speeds and reducing power consumption. This project will utilize the intensity dependent interaction of light with metal-dielectric nanostructures to establish new processing functions of the photonic components. ....Nanoscale nonlinear optics. Advances in nanotechnology have led to the realisation of nanoscale photonic components that enable integration within electronic chips. Now the challenge is to make these components perform computing functions themselves, thus providing ultra-high operation speeds and reducing power consumption. This project will utilize the intensity dependent interaction of light with metal-dielectric nanostructures to establish new processing functions of the photonic components. Our research underpins integration of photonics in future generations of computers and enables novel applications in subwavelength optical imaging and sensing. This project will therefore strongly enhance the standing of Australia in the field of nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date ....Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date provide sub-optimal performance. Innovative designs with improved performance will be developed by tailoring both the optical and thermal properties of planar photonic crystal stuctures. Devices designed during this project will subsequently be fabricated at facilities in France.Read moreRead less
Silicon Photonic Platform for Quantum Encryption and Communications. The integrity of a secure communications link can mean the difference between life and death in a defence environment. In the civilian arena, the security of electronic financial transactions is also critical to guard against 'cyber' theft. Encryption of data using unique quantum 'noise' as a key has been proposed as an exceptionally strong approach. Attempts to intercept the key during transmission can easily be detected.
....Silicon Photonic Platform for Quantum Encryption and Communications. The integrity of a secure communications link can mean the difference between life and death in a defence environment. In the civilian arena, the security of electronic financial transactions is also critical to guard against 'cyber' theft. Encryption of data using unique quantum 'noise' as a key has been proposed as an exceptionally strong approach. Attempts to intercept the key during transmission can easily be detected.
Quantum key transmission has been demonstrated but requires impractically expensive, bulky and exotic equipment. This project will explore low-cost, silicon chip based quantum key transfer modules. Our aim is to render quantum encryption as simple as adding an expansion card to a standard computer or portable device.Read moreRead less
Electronic properties of diamondlike carbon for applications in planar optical waveguides. This project will explore new applications of diamondlike carbon in the area of integrated optics for telecommunications systems. Diamondlike carbon offers opportunities to create novel electro-optic devices owing to its high refractive index and its ability to be deposited directly onto silicon substrates. This project will conduct a thorough study of the electronic properties of diamondlike carbon depo ....Electronic properties of diamondlike carbon for applications in planar optical waveguides. This project will explore new applications of diamondlike carbon in the area of integrated optics for telecommunications systems. Diamondlike carbon offers opportunities to create novel electro-optic devices owing to its high refractive index and its ability to be deposited directly onto silicon substrates. This project will conduct a thorough study of the electronic properties of diamondlike carbon deposited by two techniques and develop potential niche applications in the $5 billion integrated optical telecommunications devices. The work will combine fundamental studies of thin film electronic properties with leading edge industry applications of technology and provide an excellent research training opportunity.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100134
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Integrated photodetector array fabrication facility. Sensing is becoming a ubiquitous requirement for nearly all physical, chemical and biological research fields, and is increasingly important for Australia's national security and industry competitiveness. This proposal is aimed at building Australia's strengths in optoelectronic sensing technologies, enhancing and enabling research and technologies for innovative environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, new technologies for mineral expl ....Integrated photodetector array fabrication facility. Sensing is becoming a ubiquitous requirement for nearly all physical, chemical and biological research fields, and is increasingly important for Australia's national security and industry competitiveness. This proposal is aimed at building Australia's strengths in optoelectronic sensing technologies, enhancing and enabling research and technologies for innovative environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, new technologies for mineral exploration and improved evaluation of remediation of mine sites, through to the surveillance and sensing needs of customs, defence and national security. In doing so, it will enhance Australia's research profile as one of the world's leaders in the development and use of optoelectronic sensing.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354721
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Frontier and Security Technologies Microfabrication Network. This Initiative will conduct a comprehensive survey of Australia's resources in micro-fabrication, a key enabling technology for two national research priority areas, and generate new collaboration opportunities that capitalise on this resource base and open it to a wider range of applications. The Initiative will focus on photonics, nano-materials and security applications, and will identify gaps in micro-fabrication capabilities requ ....Frontier and Security Technologies Microfabrication Network. This Initiative will conduct a comprehensive survey of Australia's resources in micro-fabrication, a key enabling technology for two national research priority areas, and generate new collaboration opportunities that capitalise on this resource base and open it to a wider range of applications. The Initiative will focus on photonics, nano-materials and security applications, and will identify gaps in micro-fabrication capabilities required to support research in these areas. The outcomes will be a key element in a national strategic plan for these areas of national priority. The web site will demonstrate key features of the IT-based support features of a micro-fabrication network.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0345794
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
Spectroscopic Imaging Ellipsometry for Opto-VLSI Engineering and Nanotechnology Applications. The focus for implementation of spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry is to create a powerful optical analysis and characterisation tool to complement the advanced integrated circuit test facilities within Western Australia. This infrastructure will facilitate the integration of the fields of materials research, new device technologies, integrated circuit technology, nanotechnology and photonics in the exp ....Spectroscopic Imaging Ellipsometry for Opto-VLSI Engineering and Nanotechnology Applications. The focus for implementation of spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry is to create a powerful optical analysis and characterisation tool to complement the advanced integrated circuit test facilities within Western Australia. This infrastructure will facilitate the integration of the fields of materials research, new device technologies, integrated circuit technology, nanotechnology and photonics in the expanding field of Opto-VLSI. The proposed equipment is being built upon targeted research in VLSI, and will create an additional platform for innovations in microelectronic technology applicable to the communications, information technology, energy generation, security, and biomedical fields.Read moreRead less
Investigation of vertical magneto-transport in infrared detector structures based on InAs/GaSb type-II superlattices. Infrared sensors and systems are finding increasing use in Australia's core industries: particularly defence, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, homeland security, and medical diagnostics. Due to the reduced cooling requirements, the Infrared detector structures to be investigated in this project have the potential to deliver high performance in ....Investigation of vertical magneto-transport in infrared detector structures based on InAs/GaSb type-II superlattices. Infrared sensors and systems are finding increasing use in Australia's core industries: particularly defence, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, homeland security, and medical diagnostics. Due to the reduced cooling requirements, the Infrared detector structures to be investigated in this project have the potential to deliver high performance infrared technology at a significantly lower cost and, hence, widening its applications. The new science proposed in this project, and new technological knowledge expected from its application, will allow Australian researchers to participate and significantly contribute to the international effort in this field and to exploit any developed intellectual property. Read moreRead less
High-speed bidirectional optical interconnects for board-to-board communications. The project will contribute directly to Australia's participation in various ICT industries through the development of innovative solutions and will increase the knowledge and skills base in silicon-photonics. The development of the proposed board-to-board high-speed optical interconnect prototypes will result in R&D outcomes well-matched to the needs and interests of Australian companies; this project will assist ....High-speed bidirectional optical interconnects for board-to-board communications. The project will contribute directly to Australia's participation in various ICT industries through the development of innovative solutions and will increase the knowledge and skills base in silicon-photonics. The development of the proposed board-to-board high-speed optical interconnect prototypes will result in R&D outcomes well-matched to the needs and interests of Australian companies; this project will assist Australia to capitalise on new technology and to become a significant player in the next ICT boom. This project will put Australia at the cutting edge of high-speed interconnect technology and will generate income through licensing the technology and the establishment of spin-off opportunities in both Australia and off-shore.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100048
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,000.00
Summary
Nanoscale optical microscopy facility. The optical microscope has enabled us to see micro-objects, leading to revolutionary discoveries in medicine and natural sciences. However, the smallest object resolved by a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light. To see nanoscale objects smaller than the wavelength, a new tool for nano-imaging is needed. This project will establish a nanoscale optical microscopy facility that will reveal the topology and true colours of the nano-objects. Such inf ....Nanoscale optical microscopy facility. The optical microscope has enabled us to see micro-objects, leading to revolutionary discoveries in medicine and natural sciences. However, the smallest object resolved by a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light. To see nanoscale objects smaller than the wavelength, a new tool for nano-imaging is needed. This project will establish a nanoscale optical microscopy facility that will reveal the topology and true colours of the nano-objects. Such information, achieved through spectroscopic analysis of the light emitted or scattered at the nanoscale, will uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the nanoworld, leading to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and important industrial applications in photonics and solar energy.Read moreRead less