The SPASER is a new type of nano-size amplifier which is analogous to a transistor in modern electronics but operates more like a laser. It will be possible to build ultrafast processors of information with SPASERs replacing transistors or can be used in nanosensing, nanoimaging and many other fields. In this project, we assemble a world-class team consisting of one researcher who first pioneered the concept of SPASER and others who developed design and analysis techniques in the context of semiconductor lasers and detectors to engineer SPASER design. Our aim is to make robust, fast and efficient SPASERs which resembles the features of current lasers for use in circuits in the smallest possible size that consume lowest possible energy.

Man-made material composites called optical metamaterials which constitute a new, 21st century area of engineering science. They can be engineered in such a way that both electrical and magnetic components have stronger interaction with the metamaterials structure, unrevealing many extraordinary properties such as magnetic behaviour in glass type substances and ability to bend light in any direction. In this project, we enhance the usability of metamaterials by strengthening their interaction with light by reducing losses through novel designs. The creation of these new generation materials and engineering their properties to suit novel applications will sure to underpin the growth in many industrial and economic activities in Australia.

Silicon is a material where the extraordinary is made ordinary. Silicon continues to dominate the microelectronics industry because of its wide availability and remarkable chemical, thermal and mechanical properties that enable easy processing to vastly alter its properties. Siliconized optics (or silicon-based optics) provides a new platform for the monolithic integration of optics and microelectronics. In this project, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of pioneers of nonlinear optics and siliconized photonics build a next-generation broadband silicon optical amplifier which can open the door to a new hybrid technology enabling the realisation of low-power, wide-bandwidth, high-speed and ultra-small optoelectronic devices.

This project will set up a virtual organisation for tsunami related data analysis using grid technology. Due to geologically remote areas/countries involved the sharing of seismic, tidal and other locally gathered tsunami related information is critical to issuing a warning. In collaboration with Australian and International partners, this project will explore: new avenues of tsunami-related data collection, which are currently not available; new data fusion methods; data sharing strategies; visualisation and analysis methods, and develop sensing methods to gather data on animal behaviours often reported as a possible way of identifying similar disasters.