The Quest for Ultimate Measurement Precision. Precision measurement is the foundation upon which modern technological society is built. The highest quality measurement devices rely on stable clocks for their operation. The group's existing research has been aimed at developing some of the world's most precise measurement tools based on clocks and lasers. In parallel with this, other scientists have developed the means for exquisite control of light on the microscopic scale. By combining these tw ....The Quest for Ultimate Measurement Precision. Precision measurement is the foundation upon which modern technological society is built. The highest quality measurement devices rely on stable clocks for their operation. The group's existing research has been aimed at developing some of the world's most precise measurement tools based on clocks and lasers. In parallel with this, other scientists have developed the means for exquisite control of light on the microscopic scale. By combining these two technologies, both of which lie at the extreme limit of precision, the group will develop a new generation of technology for fundamental science objectives as well as for industrial needs.Read moreRead less
Ringed photonic crystal fibres for broadband nonlinear optics. The technology developed from this project will enable organic molecules to be detected, identified and quantified. Because the technology is compact, easily engineered and low cost, it will lead to a dramatically increased capability for infrared spectroscopic measurement throughout biology and medicine, with specific benefits in agriculture, the food industry and defence.
Sub-wavelength light confinement. This project will introduce and demonstrate new concepts for confining and patterning light on sub-wavelength scales. Building on Australian expertise in optical fibre technologies, this fundamental research will enhance Australia's position at the forefront of international research in the nanoscale control of light. These concepts also promise to lead to patentable new tools for ultra high-resolution imaging and for manipulating materials. This project will en ....Sub-wavelength light confinement. This project will introduce and demonstrate new concepts for confining and patterning light on sub-wavelength scales. Building on Australian expertise in optical fibre technologies, this fundamental research will enhance Australia's position at the forefront of international research in the nanoscale control of light. These concepts also promise to lead to patentable new tools for ultra high-resolution imaging and for manipulating materials. This project will enhance Australia's international links, build on a range of national research programs, and provide training of researchers in photonics, which will be of benefit to Australian industry and research.Read moreRead less
High power optical systems for advanced interferometry - an ACIGA project. Direct detection of gravitational waves will open a whole new window on the Universe for mankind and is the most significant quest in modern Physics. We aim to continue as partners in this effort through our major contributions to an increase of detector sensitivity. We will develop and test critical new concepts and components, including high power ultra stable lasers, new methods for optical wavefront sensing and correc ....High power optical systems for advanced interferometry - an ACIGA project. Direct detection of gravitational waves will open a whole new window on the Universe for mankind and is the most significant quest in modern Physics. We aim to continue as partners in this effort through our major contributions to an increase of detector sensitivity. We will develop and test critical new concepts and components, including high power ultra stable lasers, new methods for optical wavefront sensing and correction, and new reflective and diffractive components for high power optical interferometers. This research will greatly enhance Australian scientific standing, strengthen scientific collaboration internationally and within Australia, and contribute to education in photonics.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882792
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
High Power Laser, Test Masses, Digital Control System and Vacuum System for High Optical Power Interferometry Experiments. Gravitational waves are expected to offer humanity a completely new spectrum with which to study the Universe. Australia has been a pioneer in the quest to open up this new spectrum. This project will allow Australia to play a key role in a world-wide project which aims for the first time to enable gravitational waves to be detected from black holes and neutron stars through ....High Power Laser, Test Masses, Digital Control System and Vacuum System for High Optical Power Interferometry Experiments. Gravitational waves are expected to offer humanity a completely new spectrum with which to study the Universe. Australia has been a pioneer in the quest to open up this new spectrum. This project will allow Australia to play a key role in a world-wide project which aims for the first time to enable gravitational waves to be detected from black holes and neutron stars throughout the universe. It will give Australia access to developed technologies, and will be a major boost to physical science research and education.Read moreRead less
Light-matter interactions using optical fibres. This program will allow Australia to build on established excellence in photonics to extend the impact of optical fibres beyond telecommunications to applications throughout the sciences. Pioneering work on materials and structures will form a platform technology enabling innovations in areas as diverse as water quality monitoring and corrosion detection. In addition, new optical fibres will be developed for the needs of the Australian Defence Forc ....Light-matter interactions using optical fibres. This program will allow Australia to build on established excellence in photonics to extend the impact of optical fibres beyond telecommunications to applications throughout the sciences. Pioneering work on materials and structures will form a platform technology enabling innovations in areas as diverse as water quality monitoring and corrosion detection. In addition, new optical fibres will be developed for the needs of the Australian Defence Force and associated industries. Fibre-based approaches to problems in biology will ultimately lead to an improved understanding of molecular structures and new tools for manipulating biomolecules.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989093
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,800,000.00
Summary
Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO. Advanced Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) (AdvLIGO) will be the first gravitational wave observatory capable of frequent observation of known sources of gravitational waves leading to the birth of gravitational wave astronomy. The development of instruments capable of doing this is driving technology in fields such as lasers , optics, photonics and data analysis. By playing a key role in this facility, Australia will reap the scienti ....Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO. Advanced Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) (AdvLIGO) will be the first gravitational wave observatory capable of frequent observation of known sources of gravitational waves leading to the birth of gravitational wave astronomy. The development of instruments capable of doing this is driving technology in fields such as lasers , optics, photonics and data analysis. By playing a key role in this facility, Australia will reap the scientific and technical rewards of being part of the most exciting frontier of physics in the 21st Century whilst training scientists and technologists for tomorrow.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0346888
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,000.00
Summary
3-D Optical Surface Profiler. Establishing a state-of-the-science 3-D optical surface profiler will enable macroscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic profiling of surfaces over a very broad range of research programs including, laser cleaning and surface modification, laser precision microfabrication, surface, materials and device characterisation and optical physics applications. The importance and significance of these projects has already been established by the projects having competitive fundi ....3-D Optical Surface Profiler. Establishing a state-of-the-science 3-D optical surface profiler will enable macroscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic profiling of surfaces over a very broad range of research programs including, laser cleaning and surface modification, laser precision microfabrication, surface, materials and device characterisation and optical physics applications. The importance and significance of these projects has already been established by the projects having competitive funding. The instrument will undoubtedly support many additional research programs. It is similar to an Atomic-Force-Microscope or stylus profilometer but has significant additional capabilites. These include profiling much larger areas at sub-nanometre resolution and the non-contact nature of the technique. These features will enable surface characterisation that can not be achieved by other means.Read moreRead less
New materials and structures for next generation optical fibres. A soft glass optical fibre capability of critical importance to Australia's industrial and scientific capability will be established. This facility addresses a range of the National Research Priorities, most notably Defence, and brings fundamentally important technology to Australia. The proposed research capability strategically complements existing Australian silica-based fibre expertise and infrastructure. The aim is to develop ....New materials and structures for next generation optical fibres. A soft glass optical fibre capability of critical importance to Australia's industrial and scientific capability will be established. This facility addresses a range of the National Research Priorities, most notably Defence, and brings fundamentally important technology to Australia. The proposed research capability strategically complements existing Australian silica-based fibre expertise and infrastructure. The aim is to develop soft glass fibres for defence applications, and to develop fibre-based solutions for emerging applications in bionanophotonics. A key attraction of the platform technology proposed is its adaptability for testing concepts without requiring the support of large-scale fabrication and production industries.Read moreRead less
A new platform for poled glass waveguides in the mid-infrared. Mid-infrared light (beyond red out to what we feel as radiant heat) underpins many crucial applications that include the remote detection of explosives, chemicals and biological agents; dramatically speeding up internet communications; and even helping us detect planets in distant solar systems. The enormous cost of generating and analysing mid-infrared light using current technology has prevented many of these life-changing applicat ....A new platform for poled glass waveguides in the mid-infrared. Mid-infrared light (beyond red out to what we feel as radiant heat) underpins many crucial applications that include the remote detection of explosives, chemicals and biological agents; dramatically speeding up internet communications; and even helping us detect planets in distant solar systems. The enormous cost of generating and analysing mid-infrared light using current technology has prevented many of these life-changing applications coming to fruition. This project aims to change this and deliver technological leadership in this crucial field to Australia, thereby generating significant social and economic benefits. This project will also enhance Australia's international links and build on a range of national research programs.Read moreRead less