Wednesday Wonders : Exploring the scientific realms of glass in fascinating Science Talks
Throughout November, over 200 attendees participated in the Wednesday Wonders Science Talk, organised in partnership with the Adelaide Botanic Garden. This weekly evening event took place in the Garden, where a select group of researchers and scientists presented to science enthusiasts on how glass is being used to create new tools for modern life. The four talks explored the fusion of ancient glassmaking traditions with modern science, leading to the development of transformative technologies.
This event was part of the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition, a collaboration between the University of Adelaide's IPAS and ANFF-Optofab, led by Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, which highlighted the deep connection between light and glass.
The Wednesday Wonders talks included:
6 November: Blowing Glass Tradition: From Craft to Cutting-Edge
Exploring the intersection of glassmaking artistry and modern scientific innovation. Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem introduced the role of glass in both ancient traditions and cutting-edge scientific applications, setting the stage for discussions on the transformative potential of glass in modern technology.
Tony Koutsonikolas, R&D Mechanical Engineer at Maple Glass Printing, discussed advancements in glass printing technologies, focusing on how additive manufacturing techniques are revolutionising glass applications in the tech industry.
Associate Prof Jiawen Li elaborated on the latest developments in specialty optical fibres and their applications in sensors and communications, highlighting how new materials are enhancing functionality in various sectors.
13 November: Quantum Glass: Tiny Particles with Big Impacts
A look at quantum glass and its growing impact on sensing technology and sustainability. Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem explained how quantum properties of glass are being harnessed to create materials with unique optical properties, opening new frontiers in technology. She discussed the potential of quantum glass to enhance the performance of devices that rely on light manipulation, such as lasers and fibre optics.
Dr Jacob Dalgleish presented on how quantum dots and nanostructures are being integrated into glass to revolutionise areas such as telecommunications and data storage.
20 November: Glass Blowing at the Microscale: Atypical Fibres for Societal Benefits
Discussing new glass fibre technologies with wide-reaching applications in health and space exploration.
Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem introduced the concept of microscale glass blowing and how it enables the creation of novel fibre designs with applications in sensing, health, and beyond.
Dr Anna Radionova showcased her work on developing new types of fibres designed for medical applications, such as real-time monitoring of vital health metrics.
Dr Stephen Warren-Smith discussed the use of hollow core fibres for high-temperature sensing, focusing on their potential to provide more accurate and reliable measurements in extreme environments.
Dr Sarah Scholten presented on hollow-core fibres and their emerging role in improving sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and industrial applications.
27 November: The New ZBLAN Glass: From Ocean Depths to Space
Unveiling the potential of ZBLAN glass in revolutionizing communication and technology, especially in space. Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem explained the revolutionary properties of ZBLAN glass, a material that holds the promise of transforming data transmission capabilities in space and on Earth.
Dr Erik Schartner highlighted how ZBLAN’s low attenuation properties are set to enhance optical communication systems, particularly for long-distance and space-based communications.
Dr Henderson-Sapir discussed the advancements in fibre optics using ZBLAN and its potential for improving the performance of satellite communications and internet services worldwide.
The talks brought together scientists, artists, and the public to explore how glass continues to shape our technological future.