Breaking bandwidth barriers: Non-volatile tuneable terahertz metamaterials. This project aims to investigate non-volatile tuneable terahertz (THz) metamaterials, based on the exploitation of phase change materials. Tuneable metamaterial-based THz devices, such as filters and modulators, could generate significant downstream intellectual property for wireless applications. This fills a critical need to meet the increasing demand for greater bandwidth between desktop devices. Expected outcomes inc ....Breaking bandwidth barriers: Non-volatile tuneable terahertz metamaterials. This project aims to investigate non-volatile tuneable terahertz (THz) metamaterials, based on the exploitation of phase change materials. Tuneable metamaterial-based THz devices, such as filters and modulators, could generate significant downstream intellectual property for wireless applications. This fills a critical need to meet the increasing demand for greater bandwidth between desktop devices. Expected outcomes include understanding the interaction between THz signals and phase change materials, tuneable metamaterials, and devices that can steer and modulate THz signals with unprecedented agility and compactness, enabling future high-bandwidth Bluetooth-like data transfer.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear optical effects with low-power non-laser light. This project aims to allow the use of low-cost, low-intensity light sources, such as light-emitting diodes and discharge lamps, to generate nonlinear optical signals in photonic devices. Nonlinear optical effects are vital for telecommunication and signal processing technologies and are presently possible only when the light is produced by a high-power laser. The expected outcome of this project is a theoretical and experimental framework ....Nonlinear optical effects with low-power non-laser light. This project aims to allow the use of low-cost, low-intensity light sources, such as light-emitting diodes and discharge lamps, to generate nonlinear optical signals in photonic devices. Nonlinear optical effects are vital for telecommunication and signal processing technologies and are presently possible only when the light is produced by a high-power laser. The expected outcome of this project is a theoretical and experimental framework that would underpin the development of a new nonlinear photonic technology that does not require lasers, representing a paradigm shift in how photonic devices are designed. This should benefit sensing, telecommunications and defence by cheaper and more efficient transmission of information via media such as the National Broadband Network.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
Design of an optrode for next generation brain-machine interfaces. The project plans to use a new class of liquid crystals – deformed helix ferroelectric (DHF) liquid crystal – to sense extracellular biopotentials. In response to an applied electrical field, it has been shown that DHF crystals can modulate a polarised light source with extraordinary sensitivity and linear response down to the microvolt range. Using this technology, the project plans to initially design and test a single optrode ....Design of an optrode for next generation brain-machine interfaces. The project plans to use a new class of liquid crystals – deformed helix ferroelectric (DHF) liquid crystal – to sense extracellular biopotentials. In response to an applied electrical field, it has been shown that DHF crystals can modulate a polarised light source with extraordinary sensitivity and linear response down to the microvolt range. Using this technology, the project plans to initially design and test a single optrode device on the bench, before in vitro testing and characterisation using two-photon microscopy. The final design would be a higher density sensor array using a fibre optic source and multiple optical couplers. This may support the development of new ways to implant sensing and diagnostic devices in the body.Read moreRead less
New frontiers in ultra-wideband electro-optic measurement technologies. The project will lead to new frontier technologies for scientific instrumentation with greatly improved accuracies and ultra wide bandwidth capability with outcomes enhancing Australia's research profile in measurement science. New capabilities developed will benefit areas such as neuroscience, high-speed electronic circuitry designs and imaging.
Nanophotonic pixels for subwavelength imaging on a chip. This project aims to develop a nanophotonic pixel technology in complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) chips to bypass the resolution limitations for direct optical imaging and enumeration of submicron sized specimens in lab-on-chip imaging applications. Lab-on-chip imaging technology is a promising point-of-care technology, where the specimen is placed directly on a CMOS chip for imaging without using labels or chemicals and with ....Nanophotonic pixels for subwavelength imaging on a chip. This project aims to develop a nanophotonic pixel technology in complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) chips to bypass the resolution limitations for direct optical imaging and enumeration of submicron sized specimens in lab-on-chip imaging applications. Lab-on-chip imaging technology is a promising point-of-care technology, where the specimen is placed directly on a CMOS chip for imaging without using labels or chemicals and with no intervening optical components. The technology arising from the research will ultimately allow new devices to be developed, expanding the uses for lab-on-chip and potentially changing the way in which front-line medicine is practiced.Read moreRead less
Dynamic phased array antennas for terahertz detection and ranging. The project aims to create reciprocal electrically-tuneable phased array antennas for terahertz waves. The antennas will comprise varactor diodes, analogue phase shifters, and dielectric resonator arrays to rapidly transmit and receive beams with high directivity and performance. The intended outcome is an integrated platform for short-range terahertz detection and ranging. This platform could be used in personal radar and drone- ....Dynamic phased array antennas for terahertz detection and ranging. The project aims to create reciprocal electrically-tuneable phased array antennas for terahertz waves. The antennas will comprise varactor diodes, analogue phase shifters, and dielectric resonator arrays to rapidly transmit and receive beams with high directivity and performance. The intended outcome is an integrated platform for short-range terahertz detection and ranging. This platform could be used in personal radar and drone-based radar, and high-contrast standoff detection. The project could benefit public security and welfare.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100821
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,000.00
Summary
Hyper-domain luminescence lifetime imaging for mapping molecular dynamics. This project aims to enable lifetime-multiplexed optical imaging of molecular dynamics of biological systems in real time. The grand challenge of modern life sciences is to understand the molecular origins of complex processes. Using lifetime measurement, this project will realise highly-multiplexed real-time luminescence imaging with simultaneous ultrahigh detection sensitivity and spatial resolution. By generating fresh ....Hyper-domain luminescence lifetime imaging for mapping molecular dynamics. This project aims to enable lifetime-multiplexed optical imaging of molecular dynamics of biological systems in real time. The grand challenge of modern life sciences is to understand the molecular origins of complex processes. Using lifetime measurement, this project will realise highly-multiplexed real-time luminescence imaging with simultaneous ultrahigh detection sensitivity and spatial resolution. By generating fresh insights into molecular fingerprints of relevance for future disease diagnostics and treatment, the project outcomes are expected to consolidate Australia’s leading position in the health sciences. Upon commercialisation, the intellectual property is expected to generate considerable economic returns.Read moreRead less
Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. This project aims to design dental materials with reduced amalgams, using a strong but flowable composite with randomly distributed short S-glass fibres and a non-toxic natural nano-composite overlay. This alternative dental composite material is expected to meet international regulatory bodies’ intention to reduce amalgams. Using advanced phot ....Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. This project aims to design dental materials with reduced amalgams, using a strong but flowable composite with randomly distributed short S-glass fibres and a non-toxic natural nano-composite overlay. This alternative dental composite material is expected to meet international regulatory bodies’ intention to reduce amalgams. Using advanced photonic and micro-mechanical techniques to make engineered material is also expected to enhance Australian manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100241
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Seeing deeply inside the body with the world's smallest microscope. This project aims to develop the world's smallest in vivo microscope that can image the interior of living organisms at a subcellular resolution in a minimally invasive way. The project will shrink an entire microscope to the size of an optical fibre – as thin as a single strand of hair – and image deep regions of the central nervous system. This is expected to improve diagnostic tools and the knowledge of degenerative brain dis ....Seeing deeply inside the body with the world's smallest microscope. This project aims to develop the world's smallest in vivo microscope that can image the interior of living organisms at a subcellular resolution in a minimally invasive way. The project will shrink an entire microscope to the size of an optical fibre – as thin as a single strand of hair – and image deep regions of the central nervous system. This is expected to improve diagnostic tools and the knowledge of degenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This project aims to completely transform the landscape of biomedical research and industry, with expected discoveries revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of brain conditions.Read moreRead less