Skills and capabilities

Skills and capabilities

MQ Photonics brings together a critical mass of photonics researchers focused on delivering excellent strategic, basic and applied research.

Our researchers are passionate about finding solutions to technological problems by using light. Since  1988  researchers in MQ Photonics have worked on countless projects and developed skills and capabilities which can be drawn upon.

Laser technologies

High-power laser technologies have a broad range of applications, ranging from free-space communication to surgical tools, to space debris monitoring. Our researchers are able to build these technologies by various methods and are able to generate directed energy at various wavelengths.

We have capabilities in:

  • Near-IR / Mid-IR lasers
  • Yellow lasers
  • THz lasers
  • Blue lasers
  • Fibre lasers
  • High-power lasers

Advanced spectroscopy (UV-VIS-NIR-MIR-THz and Raman)

In situ materials identification, security scanning, and medical diagnostics are all applications of spectroscopy. By combining advanced techniques with application-specific excitation wavelengths, solutions can be created to identify almost any material under any conditions.

We have capabilities in:

  • Material detection / identification
  • Medical  diagnostics
  • Counter-terrorism
  • High-resolution spectroscopy and calibration

Materials  processing

Many properties of materials are reliant on shaping the material into the desired form. Investments in infrastructure have enabled our researchers to build these skills for basic and applied research.

We have capabilities in:

  • Diamond surface electronics
  • Carbon fibre reinforced plastic adhesion
  • Microfluidic  and  nanofluidic design
  • Polymer welding
  • 3D photonic waveguide writing
  • Art  and cultural heritage conservation

Remote sensing

The ability to conduct measurements by all-optical, non-contact methods is an important step advancing many industries. Our research directions are informed by the technological challenges of our industry partners.

We have capabilities in:

  • Gas detection  / identification
  • Water profiling (temperature, salinity, early algal detection)

Nanoparticle  imaging

Nanoparticles can be used for creating unique spectral properties, which we most strongly link to use in medical
research. However, nanoparticle applications are far wider-reaching, with uses in agriculture and security. Our
researchers can design bespoke nanoparticles for any purpose.

We have capabilities  in:

  • Biomedical imaging
  • Security applications
  • Medical diagnostics

Photovoltaics

The renewable energy sector is growing and with it the demand for more efficient solar cells. This drives our
research and our industry collaborations, which contribute to a greener future.

We have capabilities in :

  • Optical characterisation and processing
  • Anti-reflection and light-trapping designs

Quantum technologies

Conducting research at the interface of quantum physics and engineering, our quantum researchers work to translate
new discoveries towards real-world technologies. Diamond is the material of choice for these applications, providing
unique room-temperature quantum characteristics.

We have capabilities in:

  • Diamond  nanomaterial
  • Ultra-high resolution  sensing (magnetic fields, vibrations)

Advanced manufacturing  via  OptFab

OptoFab is a node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) which offers advanced manufacturing
services. Specialist facilities and skills available include laser micromachining and processing, speciality optical
materials manufacturing, laser inscription of photonic devices, photolithography, diamond growth, and speciality optical
fibre production.

If these capabilities are of interest to your company, engage with us to explore opportunities to work together.

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