Physical sciences

Research excellence, from astronomy to nanotechnology

Macquarie’s physical sciences research brings internationally recognised expertise to life with cutting-edge facilities and high-profile partnerships.

Physical Sciences at Macquarie University is internationally renowned for research strengths in astronomy, quantum physics, non-linear optics and spectroscopy, nanotechnology, and Raman and diamond lasers. The University is also home to Australian Astronomical Optics, with expertise in astronomical instrumentation unmatched anywhere in the world.

Areas of specialisation

Learn more about our areas of research excellence.

Research collectives

Research highlights

Designing the world's best telescopes – Macquarie's Australian Astronomical Optics has designed and developed some the world's most cutting edge astronomical instruments, such as the TAIPAN spectrograph installed on the UK Schmidt Telescope, VELOCE, high spectral resolution, high stability, fibre-fed spectrograph installed at the AAT, and the Huntsman Telescope, an AAO Macquarie and Macquarie School of Physical Sciences joint project to take images of faint galaxy structures using commercial off-the-shelf optics – to name but a few.

Excellence in quantum engineering – Macquarie hosts a node of ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS), which is solving the most challenging research problems at the interface of basic quantum physics and engineering, working with partners in industry to translate discoveries into practical applications and devices, and training a new generation of scientists in cutting-edge research, innovation and entrepreneurialism.

Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) – Macquarie is a leading member of SQA, a unique partnership across four universities with links across industry and government. The SQA harnesses Sydney’s collective quantum expertise to develop diverse talent and a globally recognised quantum ecosystem.

Versatile Raman laser applications – Diamond Raman lasers have applications in defence, and Macquarie has collaborated with the US Army and Air Force on scaling Raman lasers to higher power, as well as working with diamond fabricator Element Six on measuring and improving material properties for laser applications. Macquarie’s applied Raman physics also encompasses yellow lasers. The University holds several patents in this area, one of which has been licensed to Optos for retinal surgery.

Small scale, big impact – Macquarie’s OptoFab has led the world in advanced manufacturing using lasers to remove or add very thin layers of material (ablation), enabling the development and commercialisation of products across the pharmaceutical, defence and optical sectors. It has pioneered additive and subtractive micromachining at a standard that surpasses many US and EU competitors.

Laser micromachining and processing – Cochlear sources its micromachining research and development needs from OptoFab. OptoFab also consults on technical specifications for government and corporate optical fabrication facilities and runs equipment training placements. OptoFab’s advanced manufacturing has contributed to the discovery of gravity waves and improving optical fibres. It has increased the profitability of many companies that contract its services.

Powerful optical solutions – Founded in 2019, Redback Systems is an Australian spinout company from Macquarie University with support from the CSIRO ON startup accelerator program. They bring advanced spectroscopic techniques developed for high-precision spectroscopy in astronomy into the broader scientific and industrial domains.