Quantification of the Remineralisation of Enamel. This project has three specific aims:
1. To quantify the ultrastructure and mechanisms of remineralisation of enamel using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
2. To determine the mechanical properties of remineralised tissue and compare with those of sound enamel.
3. To develop an in-vivo optical fibre probe for monitoring and quantifying the changes of mineralised carious tissue during remineralisation.
This project will enable ....Quantification of the Remineralisation of Enamel. This project has three specific aims:
1. To quantify the ultrastructure and mechanisms of remineralisation of enamel using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
2. To determine the mechanical properties of remineralised tissue and compare with those of sound enamel.
3. To develop an in-vivo optical fibre probe for monitoring and quantifying the changes of mineralised carious tissue during remineralisation.
This project will enable patients prone to orthodontic induced root resorption to be identified and also to assist with validating repair of enamel tooth structure in a non-surgical manner. It is anticipated to result in the development of a novel fibre optic instrument with applications beyond dentistry.
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The photonic immunochip: retrieving individual Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) array-units using optical waveguide multicolour fluorescence. Improving the sensitivity and availability of in-vitro immuno-diagnostic tests is a critical goal towards developing real time efficient tools for the detection of infectious diseases, cancers, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The goal is to increase the sensitivity of these tests by reducing background noise that has been a feature of the com ....The photonic immunochip: retrieving individual Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) array-units using optical waveguide multicolour fluorescence. Improving the sensitivity and availability of in-vitro immuno-diagnostic tests is a critical goal towards developing real time efficient tools for the detection of infectious diseases, cancers, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The goal is to increase the sensitivity of these tests by reducing background noise that has been a feature of the commonly used ELISA technology. This will be achieved by developing a novel optical integrated waveguide array supporting a large range of distributed tests, including several based on a novel multi-colour detection scheme. This massively parallel approach will underpin a new generation of low-cost, efficient diagnostic tests.Read moreRead less
Rapid detection of rare-event cells by strong UP-conversion
encoded nano-radiators (SUPER Dots): finding a needle in a haystack. Current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect cancer in its very early stages or early recurrence following treatment. The new technologies developed by this project will be able to find single cancer cells in blood and urine samples heralding a new era in medical diagnostics.
Optical fibre devices for sideways delivery of laser light during keyhole surgery. Mulitmode optical fibres are typically used to deliver high power laser light which is emitted from the end of the fibre to irradiate tissue during surgery. For intravenous delivery of laser light in the treatment of cardiac fibrillation (heart flutter) we require a sideways-directed illuminating beam. However reliable methods of delivering high power laser light in a sideways-directed beam are not currently avai ....Optical fibre devices for sideways delivery of laser light during keyhole surgery. Mulitmode optical fibres are typically used to deliver high power laser light which is emitted from the end of the fibre to irradiate tissue during surgery. For intravenous delivery of laser light in the treatment of cardiac fibrillation (heart flutter) we require a sideways-directed illuminating beam. However reliable methods of delivering high power laser light in a sideways-directed beam are not currently available. Using the ultraviolet laser fibre processing expertise already developed at Macquarie University, we propose to develop and characterise novel fibre-based devices which would allow controllable delivery of light sideways.Read moreRead less
Nanophotonic metamaterials as anti-counterfeit devices in Australian banknotes. This project will demonstrate the application of novel materials as the basis for next generation security features on banknotes. Such elements play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Australia's currency since they present a significant barrier to counterfeiting.
A versatile optical wavelength and mode switching device for future telecommunication networks. This project will develop a next generation switching device for future fibre optical communication networks that will divide their information among several modes of specialty fibre. This device will be a key component for allowing network operators to move to these novel mode-multiplexed networks in order to overcome the looming capacity crunch.
Mechanical stresses in holey fibres. The development of holey fibres constitutes arguably the most exciting development in fibre optics in recent years. We will analyze the mechanical stresses in these fibres, which, together with the optical calculations and associated experiments, will allow us to design novel fibre-based devices. This will allow Nufern to develop new products based on holey fibres.
Multipoint voltage sensor for high power distribution lines. This project will develop a new electric field sensor array for electricity transmission systems. The project proposes novel sensor designs based on hybrid technology; fibre optics and liquid crystals. Investment in student and researcher training will provide the industry, still in its early growth phase, with future human resources and strengthen research and development programs. The outcomes of this project will benefit our Austr ....Multipoint voltage sensor for high power distribution lines. This project will develop a new electric field sensor array for electricity transmission systems. The project proposes novel sensor designs based on hybrid technology; fibre optics and liquid crystals. Investment in student and researcher training will provide the industry, still in its early growth phase, with future human resources and strengthen research and development programs. The outcomes of this project will benefit our Australian-based Partner Organisation, Smart Digital Optics PTY LTD and will also increase Australian research expertise in the field of photonics materials.Read moreRead less
Meta-optics systems for driver-fatigue monitoring. The project aims to develop novel miniaturised optical systems for driver fatigue monitoring, which provide increased sensitivity, eliminate reflections from eyeglasses and enable accurate depth measurements of facial features. The unique performance of our optical systems is derived from the concept of optical nanostructured surfaces to allow for efficient control of light wavefront and polarisation. The project aims to apply this concept to de ....Meta-optics systems for driver-fatigue monitoring. The project aims to develop novel miniaturised optical systems for driver fatigue monitoring, which provide increased sensitivity, eliminate reflections from eyeglasses and enable accurate depth measurements of facial features. The unique performance of our optical systems is derived from the concept of optical nanostructured surfaces to allow for efficient control of light wavefront and polarisation. The project aims to apply this concept to develop six different optical elements with new functionalities and performance well beyond what is possible with conventional components. This development will enable the construction of high-performance driver monitoring systems, thus facilitating a safer driving experience for all.Read moreRead less
Compact and versatile chip lasers for three-dimensional mine surveying. This project will bring together a world leading mine survey company, The University of Adelaide and Macquarie University researchers, to develop an 'eye-safe' micro laser for high resolution three-dimensional laser-mapping. The recently developed and patented 'chip' laser will allow the realisation of a compact, enhanced range laser-radar with unmatched resolution.