Research
IPAS researchers are committed to upholding the highest standards in research conduct as specified in the
Australian Code for the Responsible conduct of Research.
Research Themes
Optical Materials & Structures | Contact: Heike Ebendorff, Tanya Monro |
 | Our research focuses on developing new glasses with novel optical
properties, fabricating micro and nanostructured soft glass optical
fibres, developing novel silica and polymer fibres including the
capacity for rare-earth and nanoparticulate doping. We have a strong
focus on developing glass and fibres capable of transmitting light in
the mid-infrared and THz spectral regions. Our modeling capability
allows us to develop new theoretical frameworks for understanding
waveguides and fibres with extreme properties and nanoscale features. |
Lasers & Nonlinear Optics
| Contact: David Ottaway, David Lancaster |
| We research and develop novel free space, fibre and chip lasers
operating at new wavelengths, regimes and high powers. The need for
these is driven by applications in astronomy (guidestar), gravitational
wave detection (LIGO), supercontinuum generation, defence applications
and laser radar (LIDAR). |
Remote Sensing (incl astrophysics & bio sensing) | Contact: Gavin Rowell, David Ottaway |
 | From the search for gravitational waves using ultra-precise lasers
(LIGO), the development of LIDAR systems for measuring wind fields for
wind farms, to pollutants at industrial sites and the detection of
cosmic and gamma rays, the research teams within remote sensing develop,
deploy and refine a range of photonic technologies for |
| Chemical & Radiation Sensing | Contact: Nigel Spooner, Tanya Monro |
 | Using in-house and specialty optical fibre with unique surface coatings
developed by our chemistry teams, we have research programs developing
novel optical fibre based chemical sensors for water quality, corrosion
sensing and environmental monitoring. We are researching new fibre based
radiation dosimetry sensors for medicine, industry and defence. Our
Center of Expertise in Luminescence, which houses the most comprehensive
collection of these systems in the world, develops new forensic
luminescence techniques and provides a range of training and dating
services to industry. |
Surface Science & Synthetic Chemistry | Contact: Christopher Sumby, Andrew Abell |
 | Our chemistry teams develop new novel biological and chemical surface
coatings and surface functionality to enable the realisation of sensors
for specific chemicals and biomolecules. There are research programs
synthesising novel molecules for ion trapping and fluorescencebased
sensing architectures. Other programs are developing new materials for
catalysis and efficient storage of gasses. |
| Medical Diagnostics & Biological Sensing | Contact: Peter Hoffmann, Tanya Monro |
 | We are developing new technologies in conjunction with clinicians and
biologists, which push the boundaries of speed, sensitivity and sample
volumes. We have produced optical fibre-based dip sensors capable of
measuring chemicals and biomolecules in concentrations as low as
<0.2nM from picolitre volume samples. Our novel Surface Plasmon
Resonance systems are capable of label free diagnostics of pathogens and
biomarkers. |
Determination of the catastrophic power handling limits of high power active optical fibres
IPAS Welcomes 2011
IPAS a "Powerhouse" of World-class Research
The Institute
for Photonics & Advanced Sensing was awarded the maximum score of 5
by the recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment
exercise. This score was for both Physical Sciences and Optical Physics.
This score indicates that IPAS research is well above world standard.
Exceptionally high scores were also awarded to areas that are the basis of many IPAS transdisciplinary collaborations, such as:
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Medical Microbiology
The full list of all scores can be found at the
ERA website.
