Photonic Integrated Circuits
Reducing the size, weight and power of the precision measurement systems investigated by the other research themes is crucial to make their systems robust and portable, suitable for operation outside of well-maintained laboratory conditions.
To achieve this, the Photonic Integrated Circuit research theme explores micro-nano fabricated optical circuits to integrate tens to hundreds of previously individual optical components, all on a single semiconductor circuit chip. These chip-scale precision measurement systems have the potential to enable robust and portable systems for remote environmental monitoring and enhance the capabilities of next-generation drones and satellites.
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Pumping up the volume on sound - light interactions
This Australian Research Council (ARC) funded project aims to create a new class of integrated microwave information processors on a single optical chip. Using electro-acoustic coupling in semiconductors we expect to reduce optical power requirements, enabling the emergence of practically deployable processors using ordinary telecom lasers.
The expected project outcomes are inexpensive, compact, stable, and energy-efficient microwave photonic processors, which have the potential to create a multitude of opportunities for commercial development in the fields of defence, information, security, autonomous vehicles, sensing, and ultra-high bandwidth mobile communications.
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Nonlinear optical proper ties of wide bandgap semiconductor materials
High-quality light sources in the visible and ultraviolet spectral regions are highly desirable for applications such as exoplanet detection, atomic clocks, quantum computing, and precision bio-imaging. However, the generation of light at these wavelengths can be challenging due to the relatively narrow spectral bandwidths of semiconductor material resulting in a limited spectral coverage of light-emitting semiconductor materials. To overcome this limitation nonlinear optical frequency-mixing strategies can be used which shift the complexity from light sources to nonresonant-based material effects, which can be engineered so that light conversion is particularly efficient at desired wavelengths.
This project aims to address this opportunity and explore the nonlinear optical properties of wideband gap semiconductor materials, which are highly attractive for frequency-mixing strategies in visible and ultraviolet spectral regions. As part of this project, we will also investigate how these materials can be used for efficient nonlinear optical processes in photonic integrated circuits, which unlocks additional degrees of freedom to engineer and increase the efficiency of the nonlinear optical processes
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Microcomb integrated atomic vapour clocks
Twenty years ago, precision timing saw a paradigm shift in clock technology by using optical atomic transitions rather than conventional microwave transitions. Optical atomic transitions intrinsically deliver a huge uplift in potential performance. However, these extreme clocks fill an entire lab and require complex and delicate electronic and optical systems.
The Precision Measurement Group has recently discovered that a two-photon optical transition in Rubidium vapour can be used to achieve a relatively simple and compact clock while maintaining performance matching the best space-based clocks used for global positioning systems. However, these clocks are still the size of a suitcase. This project aims will integrate microcombs with all the elements of an optical atomic clock onto a single chip delivering unprecedented stability and timing accuracy. This will enable tactical inertial navigation systems with the size, weight, and price of consumer electronics.
For Postdoctoral, Honours, Masters and PhD opportunities, please contact Dr Andreas Boes for more information.