Adelaide research lights the way

Science

A new research centre launched at the University of Adelaide will help boost Australia's defence capability and enable new key fibre-optic applications for industry, communications and biological and medical technology.

The Centre of Expertise in Photonics is leading the world in the development of a new generation of optical fibres.

Photonics is the science and technology that allows the generation and control of light using glass optical fibres. The Centre of Expertise in Photonics is working on the design, fabrication, development and applications of a new class of optical fibres - soft glass microstructured fibres - which have significant benefits over the conventional silica-based optical fibres.

The Centre is part of a strategic alliance between the University of Adelaide and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), with support from the State Government. It enables Australia to lead the rest of the world in a new area of technology and has moved Australia ahead in a critical niche field.

Centre of Expertise in Photonics Director, Professor Tanya Monro, said: "The recently installed laboratories at the University are the first facilities in Australia to produce soft glass microstructured fibres, and the Centre is now positioned to do internationally leading work in this area."

Professor Monro joined the University of Adelaide as Professor of Photonics in the School of Chemistry and Physics in early 2005, following more than six years of groundbreaking research at the University of Southampton in the UK. There, she and her research team developed new technology for the production of the microstructured optical fibre.

The Centre of Expertise in Photonics will support defence projects that are increasingly reliant on advances in photonics. It was officially launched on 31 May by DSTO Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (Information) Mr Neil Bryans, Minister for Science and Information Economy Karlene Maywald and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha.

Mr Bryans said: "Scientific expertise in photonics is fundamental to the development of many modern defence systems, especially communications and remote sensing, therefore the Centre is a strategic initiative to build Australia's defence and industry sector photonics capability."

Minister Maywald said: "With the development of optical fibres, we can further grow the State's electronic warfare industry base and increase the chances of winning future defence contracts."

Professor James McWha, said: "The Centre exemplifies how the University is forging valuable partnerships which aim to lead the nation in new and exciting fields of technology and research, as well as providing students with a rewarding opportunity to be part of this new evolving world."

The Centre aims to increase the number of students studying photonics to support the needs of local industry and defence. Combined with the launch of the Centre, were the inaugural awards of DSTO-funded undergraduate scholarships for the best students enrolled in the University's Bachelor of Science degree in Optics and Photonics.

DSTO funding support to the Centre of Expertise in Photonics includes $400,000 for initial infrastructure establishment and ongoing funding of $400,000 per year for up to five years, plus additional support for a range of research tasks so far exceeding $1million.

The South Australian Government has contributed more than $400,000 to the Centre from the Premier's Science and Research Fund and from the State Government Defence Unit.

Story by Robyn Mills