Engage with us
We are scientists and engineers who do amazing things with light, and our passion is solving real-world problems.
Our industry-focused academic team have a wide range of skills and capabilities.
These include:
*Please see the link to OptoFab
We have demonstrated technology applications in many areas, including:
Agriculture & Environment
Light is the ultimate platform for conducting precision measurements. A broad range of research activities in MQ Photonics are focused on developing advances sensors for real-world applications, such as thermal and salinity profiling of water bodies, and utilising optical fibre sensors to detect concrete corrosion in harsh wastewater environments.
Defence & Security
Knowledge is power. Our researchers are actively collaborating with government partners to develop new technologies to safeguard Australia. These collaborations include developing terahertz lasers for the detection of illicit substances and advancing high-power laser technologies.
Health and Technologies
Improving human health and wellbeing is a universal challenge. MQ Photonics researchers develop enabling science and technologies, such as new nanotechnologies, and the development of new optical sources.
Renewable Energy
The future is green. By improving solar cell technology are contributing towards a zero emissions future. Work conducted focuses on enhancing efficiencies via designs and materials to maximise light trapping.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing is a strategic growth opportunity for Australia. MQ Photonics contributed technologies, systems, and processes to Australia’s evolving manufacturing landscape via OptoFab - a microfabrication and microprocessing facility offered through the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF).
Our research outcomes are often of benefit to industry partners, government bodies and the community. We aim to engage with external organisations to create, apply and make accessible the knowledge that is derived from our research. The Centre has a 30-year track record in working with industry. We collaborate with local and international partners in sectors such as manufacturing, medical devices, engineering technology, water recycling and supply, defence and life sciences. These projects are often part-funded via Macquarie University grants or the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Grant scheme.
We can offer joint collaborative projects, contract research, consulting and the use of laboratory facilities.
Joint Collaborative Projects – Staff of MQ Photonics Research Centre are eligible for funding to establish collaborative projects with external partners such as industry and government bodies. Please direct any enquiries to research group leaders. Funding opportunities are available through the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Grant and the Macquarie University Partnerships and Seeding Grant Schemes.
Contract Research – Contract research projects provide an avenue for external parties to undertake research projects with the greatest control of the project plan and intellectual ownership. Contracts are normally facilitated through Research Services. Please direct any enquiries to research group leaders.
Consulting – MQ Photonics Research Centre staff are generally available for consulting. Please direct any enquiries directly towards the prospective consulting staff member.
Laboratory Facilities – MQ Photonics has major facilities that can be accessed by external parties. The following services are available:
APR Internships - Funding is available to embed PhD research students within organisations for 3 months of full time experience. These internships can take place after a student has submitted their thesis, so organisations can access the knowledge and skills of our photonics graduates.
PACE Placements - If your business is passionate about developing Australia’s high-tech industry, opportunities are available to host our undergraduate photonics students on a 1 day/week basis for 10 weeks.
Outreach - If you are an educator and are interested in photonics, we encourage you to reach out and engage with us to learn what outreach events we have planned.