Latest news
Search news stories
Enter a keyword to search news.
Inside Optofab Adelaide: Support for Research & Discovery
The IPAS-hosted seminar on 27 March showcased the capabilities of Optofab Adelaide, a hub of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem presented how the facility supports researchers and students with advanced glass, fibre, and surface functionalisation technologies. The event highlighted the importance of acknowledging Optofab and ANFF in publications when using their resources.
[Read more about Inside Optofab Adelaide: Support for Research & Discovery]
Celebrating the Release of The Journey of Light Exhibition Video
The University of Adelaide has published a new video showcasing The Journey of Light exhibition, now on display at the Adelaide Botanic Garden’s Museum of Economic Botany. This video shows the importance art can have on science, in this case, glass science and fabrication. A field ANFF Optofab Adelaide Node is an expert in.
[Read more about Celebrating the Release of The Journey of Light Exhibition Video]
Optofab Adelaide Hosts Successful NCRIS SA Networking Event
On Thursday 13 March 2025, ANFF Optofab Adelaide proudly hosted a networking event for all NCRIS-supported research infrastructure facilities based in South Australia. This initiative, started by a representative of the Australian Research Data Commons, has the goal of bringing NCRIS representatives together, helping us understand the ecosystem and create long-lasting bonds.
[Read more about Optofab Adelaide Hosts Successful NCRIS SA Networking Event]
Strengthening Global Collaboration: An American Quantum Educational Visit
Optofab was honoured to host a group of distinguished American academics for a pivotal quantum educational visit. This visit marked a significant step in fortifying global partnerships between Australian and US academics working in emerging fields such as quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnologies.
[Read more about Strengthening Global Collaboration: An American Quantum Educational Visit]
2 ANFF Finalists Recognised for 2024 SA Science Excellence Awards
On August 12th, a prestigious ceremony was held to recognise the finalists for the 2024 SA Science Excellence Awards, during which Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem and Prof Craig Priest received their finalist certificates from the Chief Scientist for South Australia.
[Read more about 2 ANFF Finalists Recognised for 2024 SA Science Excellence Awards]
First commercial-grade optical fibres fabricated in space
Special glass rods manufactured at the University of Adelaide have been drawn into over eleven km of optical fibre on the International Space Station (ISS).
[Read more about First commercial-grade optical fibres fabricated in space]
Nanoparticle Magic: Fine-Tuning Gold Nanoparticles in Tellurite Glass for Unique Applications
After extensive prior research spanning more than a decade, scientists have introduced an innovative approach for incorporating gold nanoparticles into tellurite glasses, capitalising on their highly desirable attributes. Combining the distinctive light modulation and interaction capabilities of such nanoparticles in tellurite glass opens fresh avenues for photonics research and practical applications.
University researchers enhance lasers for defence and remote sensing
Researchers from the University of South Australia, University of Adelaide and Yale University demonstrated the potential use of multimode optical fibre to scale up power in fibre lasers by three to nine times without deteriorating the beam quality, allowing it to focus on distant targets.
[Read more about University researchers enhance lasers for defence and remote sensing]
ANFF granted $47.4m from NCRIS to strengthen Australia’s fabrication network
The Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Education, and The Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, have announced $650 million in funding from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Within that funding, the Australian National Fabrication Facility will receive $47.4m to address Australia’s strategic science and research priorities, benefit industry and keep Australians at the forefront of scientific innovation.
[Read more about ANFF granted $47.4m from NCRIS to strengthen Australia’s fabrication network]
Mini motors that pack a punch
ecoJet Engineering’s all-in-one power generation, storage and distribution system is targeted for residential, commercial, deployable/mobile and rural applications, including combined heating and power. ANFF-Optofab Adelaide is a key partner in exploring the advanced materials and manufacturing routes used to develop ecoJet Engineering’s prototypes.
