Parallel Lines: Ultra-dense optical systems for extreme data-rates. The project aims to explore methods to significantly expand global internet data rates, by using emerging ultra-dense optical technologies. The project plans to discover how novel existing and emerging tiny photonic chip devices may enable the use of new, unused optical spectral bands, and then enable 1000s of channels to be supported by exploiting newly available parallelism in both wavelength and space. Success in the project ....Parallel Lines: Ultra-dense optical systems for extreme data-rates. The project aims to explore methods to significantly expand global internet data rates, by using emerging ultra-dense optical technologies. The project plans to discover how novel existing and emerging tiny photonic chip devices may enable the use of new, unused optical spectral bands, and then enable 1000s of channels to be supported by exploiting newly available parallelism in both wavelength and space. Success in the project aims may enable speeds of up to 100 times greater than achievable today, in a variety of fibre optic systems. Connectivity is key to our society, so benefits may arise in both future-proofing key Australian data infrastructure, and in providing a roadmap to support exponential capacity growth over the coming decades.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100964
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,354.00
Summary
Precision Rulers for the Visible - Chip Scale Optical Frequency Combs. This project aims to create a photonic chip technology that generates hundreds of coherent laser lines in the visible spectrum from a single chip for accurate sensing, imaging unknown objects and measuring gas emissions. The project expects to introduce this new capability in the current photonic chip technology, which currently only operates with infrared light. The expected outcomes are inexpensive, stable and energy-effici ....Precision Rulers for the Visible - Chip Scale Optical Frequency Combs. This project aims to create a photonic chip technology that generates hundreds of coherent laser lines in the visible spectrum from a single chip for accurate sensing, imaging unknown objects and measuring gas emissions. The project expects to introduce this new capability in the current photonic chip technology, which currently only operates with infrared light. The expected outcomes are inexpensive, stable and energy-efficient devices the size of a fingernail that will enable measurements with unprecedented accuracies. This should allow these devices to be mounted on drones, satellites, and robots, making them attractive for defence, information security, imaging, autonomous vehicle, and sensing applications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100010
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$928,291.00
Summary
Single-molecule Manipulation and Interaction Facility (SMIF). This LIEF project aims to establish Australia's first Single-molecule Manipulation and Interaction Facility (SMIF), providing multidisciplinary researchers with a platform to explore cellular processes and reveal molecular mechanisms at the nanoscale. The SMIF facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies for bio-manipulation, real-time visualisation, and characterisation of single-molecule interactions, overcoming the technical com ....Single-molecule Manipulation and Interaction Facility (SMIF). This LIEF project aims to establish Australia's first Single-molecule Manipulation and Interaction Facility (SMIF), providing multidisciplinary researchers with a platform to explore cellular processes and reveal molecular mechanisms at the nanoscale. The SMIF facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies for bio-manipulation, real-time visualisation, and characterisation of single-molecule interactions, overcoming the technical complexity of traditional tools requiring highly specialised personnel. By offering accessible, easy-to-use advanced systems, this project will significantly boost scientific discovery across physics, chemistry, and biology, fostering collaboration and innovation to better understand life at the molecular level.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100587
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,347.00
Summary
A quantum telescope for extremely high-resolution imaging. This project will combine world-leading Australian signal stabilisation technology with recent developments in quantum sensors to demonstrate the world’s first quantum telescope. This project expects to demonstrate that quantum detectors can feasibly link optical telescopes, separated by hundreds of kilometres, to achieve extremely high-resolution imaging. Expected outcomes are the development of technologies that will enable imaging wit ....A quantum telescope for extremely high-resolution imaging. This project will combine world-leading Australian signal stabilisation technology with recent developments in quantum sensors to demonstrate the world’s first quantum telescope. This project expects to demonstrate that quantum detectors can feasibly link optical telescopes, separated by hundreds of kilometres, to achieve extremely high-resolution imaging. Expected outcomes are the development of technologies that will enable imaging with resolution more than 20 times better than any existing telescope. This will provide significant benefits for astronomy, space situational awareness, and defence.Read moreRead less
Rainbows on demand: coherent comb sources on a photonic chip. This project aims to create photonic circuit technologies that will generate hundreds of coherent laser lines from a single chip. The emerging industrially scalable silicon nitride on thin-film lithium niobate platform will be advanced to create resonant modulators and nonlinear waveguides with unprecedented efficiency and innovative monitoring and control techniques. When combined, these components will enable highly flexible and rob ....Rainbows on demand: coherent comb sources on a photonic chip. This project aims to create photonic circuit technologies that will generate hundreds of coherent laser lines from a single chip. The emerging industrially scalable silicon nitride on thin-film lithium niobate platform will be advanced to create resonant modulators and nonlinear waveguides with unprecedented efficiency and innovative monitoring and control techniques. When combined, these components will enable highly flexible and robust systems for generating a comb of coherent laser lines. These photonic chip comb sources will be inexpensive, compact and energy efficient with transformative impact in spectroscopy, microscopy, precision measurement, quantum computing and ultra-fast optical fibre communications.Read moreRead less
Microcantilevers for multifrequency atomic force microscopy. This project aims to design a microcantilever with high-performing sensors more sensitive and with better noise performance than the typical optical system used in commercial Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). The AFM, a nanotechnology instrument, uses a microcantilever (with an extremely shape probe) to interrogate a sample surface. It has made important discoveries in nanotechnology, life sciences, nanomachining, material science and d ....Microcantilevers for multifrequency atomic force microscopy. This project aims to design a microcantilever with high-performing sensors more sensitive and with better noise performance than the typical optical system used in commercial Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). The AFM, a nanotechnology instrument, uses a microcantilever (with an extremely shape probe) to interrogate a sample surface. It has made important discoveries in nanotechnology, life sciences, nanomachining, material science and data storage systems. Despite its success, the technique’s spatial resolution and quantitative measurements are limited. This project could lead to breakthrough technologies such as atomic force spectroscopy to study elastic modulus of nanostructures, and establish Australia's prominence in this emerging field.Read moreRead less
Subsurface Atomic Force Microscopy using Dual Probes. The proposal aims to develop a new microscopy method for imaging nano-scale structures buried below the surface of a sample; for example, metal conductors in a computer processor chip. The expected outcome is a new method for creating subsurface images with an application focus on semiconductor device inspection and quality control. The proposed microscope is expected to create new economic opportunities including new commercial products, int ....Subsurface Atomic Force Microscopy using Dual Probes. The proposal aims to develop a new microscopy method for imaging nano-scale structures buried below the surface of a sample; for example, metal conductors in a computer processor chip. The expected outcome is a new method for creating subsurface images with an application focus on semiconductor device inspection and quality control. The proposed microscope is expected to create new economic opportunities including new commercial products, intellectual property, and the potential for a start-up venture. The benefits to Australia should include the creation of new job opportunities and the development of local expertise in a high-value market sector.Read moreRead less
Designing a spectrometer to search for life on extrasolar planets. Finding indicators of life on extrasolar planets is one of the greatest science questions of our time. Astronomers have found rocky, earth-like exoplanets; now we need powerful spectrometers to search for biomarkers in their atmospheres, detecting the faint imprints from molecules associated with life in the colour spectrum of stars. This project will develop the instruments and technologies required to enable spectroscopy with m ....Designing a spectrometer to search for life on extrasolar planets. Finding indicators of life on extrasolar planets is one of the greatest science questions of our time. Astronomers have found rocky, earth-like exoplanets; now we need powerful spectrometers to search for biomarkers in their atmospheres, detecting the faint imprints from molecules associated with life in the colour spectrum of stars. This project will develop the instruments and technologies required to enable spectroscopy with massively multiplexed telescopes. A spectrometer design with large spectral bandwidth and high resolution, optimised for a facility consisting of thousands of small telescopes, and novel optical fibres to link them, will open the door for breakthrough science requiring an entirely new class of telescope.Read moreRead less
A Multi-Optrode Array for Closed-Loop Bionics. We will design, implement and characterise a disruptive multi-channel optrode array (MOA) to record and stimulate excitable living tissue. The MOA will be a combination of individual optical electrodes (optrodes) that either comprise a new class of liquid crystals, used to passively sense extracellular biopotentials, or microphotovoltaic cells that will be used for electrical stimulation of excitable tissue. By employing light for communication with ....A Multi-Optrode Array for Closed-Loop Bionics. We will design, implement and characterise a disruptive multi-channel optrode array (MOA) to record and stimulate excitable living tissue. The MOA will be a combination of individual optical electrodes (optrodes) that either comprise a new class of liquid crystals, used to passively sense extracellular biopotentials, or microphotovoltaic cells that will be used for electrical stimulation of excitable tissue. By employing light for communication with optrodes, this new approach alleviates many of the wiring, packaging and encapsulation issues associated with existing devices. Computational modelling and in vitro testing in cardiac tissue and retinal neurons will demonstrate the utility of the MOA to sense and control electrical activity.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101904
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,322.00
Summary
Next-Generation LIDAR with Novel Microresonator Frequency Combs. This project aims to develop the science that would enable a new low-cost laser radar (LIDAR) for imaging the world around us. LIDAR has applications in facial recognition, forestry and autonomous vehicles – our new device will uniquely offer the ability to work underwater thereby opening up new possibilities for maritime environmental and vehicle monitoring. Our approach exploits a new form of optical pulse propagation in precise ....Next-Generation LIDAR with Novel Microresonator Frequency Combs. This project aims to develop the science that would enable a new low-cost laser radar (LIDAR) for imaging the world around us. LIDAR has applications in facial recognition, forestry and autonomous vehicles – our new device will uniquely offer the ability to work underwater thereby opening up new possibilities for maritime environmental and vehicle monitoring. Our approach exploits a new form of optical pulse propagation in precisely shaped crystals to generate bespoke laser pulses that enable high-speed and precise ranging to targets of interest. The science behind these new types of optical pulses offers the ability for Australia to lead a new scientifically and industrially important field.Read moreRead less