Optics and Photonics

From L to R: Dr Zlatko Jovanoski and Dr Isaac Towers discussing research results.
[Photo credit: K. Badek]

The research interests of this group are focused on theoretical investigations in two main areas of optics - photonics (related to the analysis and design of linear and nonlinear optical waveguides and waveguide devices for communications and other applications) and vision processes in humans and insects.

Design of large area mode fibres (Dr Isaac Towers & Zlatko Jovanoski)

Single-moded optical fibres are preferred for optical communication and for high power applications. The small core of a conventional single-mode fibre leads to high power densities and gives rise to significant unwanted nonlinear optical effects. Nonlinear effects in a fibre can distort the pulses at high bit rate and can produce crosstalk among the closely spaced wavelengths. However, the use of large-core conventional fibres to overcome nonlinear effects is not advisable as the large number of modes in such a fibre reduces the data transfer rate in an optical communication system and affects the beam quality in fibre lasers. It is therefore preferred to use a fibre with a large core yet supporting a single guided mode. The goal of this project is to investigate designs for optical fibres which maximise mode area but allow only a single mode to propagate a meaningful distance.

Numerical schemes for parabolic partial differential equations (Dr Isaac Towers)

This research project is to develop and implement numerical schemes which solve multi-dimensional partial differential equations (PDE). By using an appropriate set of orthogonal basis functions the goal is to create a spectral method which allows for boundary conditions at infinity while maintaining the speed of an explicit time-marching approach. Operator splitting, integrating factors and the so-called explicit exponential methods are being investigated.

Numerical schemes for simulating optical beam propagation (Dr Isaac Towers)

To compliment theoretical investigations of nonlinear optical beams we develop numerical schemes to efficiently study beam propagation. A variety of techniques are being investigated to provide fast and accurate simulations.

Members of the Optics and Photonics Research Group

Academic Staff:

Dr Zlatko Jovanoski (z.jovanoski@adfa.edu.au) BSc Mon, PhD UNSW
Dr Peter McIntyre (p.mcintyre@adfa.edu.au) BSc, PhD ANU
Dr Isaac Towers (i.towers@adfa.edu.au) BSc Otago, PhD UNSW@ADFA

Visiting Fellow:

Prof. Colin Pask (c.pask@adfa.edu.au) BSc Lond., PhD UNSW

Recent Honours Student:

Aaron Schurink – Research Topic - Spatial soliton dynamics in kerr medium

Collaborators:

Dr N. Ansari (PEMS, UNSW@ADFA until December 2007)
Dr V. Gubernov (P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences)
Prof. S. Konar (Birla Institute of Technology, India )
Prof. R. Sammut (PEMS, UNSW@ADFA, retired)
Assoc. Prof. H. Sidhu (PEMS, UNSW@ADFA)