The Laser Physics and Photonics Devices Laboratories (LPPDL) is a photonics research group at the Mawson Lakes Campus of the University of South Australia (established 2015). The LPPDL brings together experimental physics, theoretical modelling, and engineering to develop new types of photonic based sensors, lasers, advanced materials, and manufacturing processes with a focus on producing prototypes. The lab has a track record working with industry and applying advanced photonics concepts to addressing industry challenges.
The laser physics and photonics devices labs are housed within 330 m^2 of specialised laser laboratories (3) in semi cleanrooms, with over 40 m^2 of well-equipped optical tables and supported by free-space optomechanics, optics and wide ranging spatial, temporal and spectral characterisation equipment. The lab specialises in lasers covering the visible through to the mid-infrared (3.5 microns). The facility has mature capabilities in dicing and polishing; fibre cleaving, splicing, recoating and connectors; and ultra-fast laser machining (Imra femtosecond laser + Aerotech air-bearing stages). The lab is now routinely manufacturing waveguide chips for incorporation into custom lasers. Numerical simulation software includes ComSol, FiberPower, Zemax, and the RSoft Component design suite.
Our research
- Laser and non-linear physics
- Fibre based sensors (humidity, chemical, vibration/acoustic, force/torque)
- Guided wave lasers including planar and fibre geometries
- Optical fibre design and glass fabrication
- High power fibre lasers
- Lasers for field deployment (spectroscopy and electronic warfare)
- Frequency combs
- Femtosecond laser micromachining
- Non-linear frequency conversion
- Theory and modelling of non-linear optical phenomena
- Measurement of material non-linearity and dispersion.
Our capabilities
- Laser development and characterisation including spectral, power, temporal and spatial covering the visible through to the mid-infrared
- Optical fibre cleaving and splicing
- Glass waveguide fabrication/ FBG inscription, including an ultra-fast femtosecond system (four-axis air-bearing CNC stages, Imra fs laser); diamond-saw CNC; waveguide polishing
- Materials spectral characterisation, high resolution optical microscope.
Contact information
Professor David Lancaster, email: David.Lancaster@unisa.edu.au
For media enquiries please visit the Media Centre
Research Fellows
Dr Stephen Warren-Smith
Dr Toney Fernandez
Dr Yongsop Hwang
Dr Linh Nguyen
Dr Dale Otten
Dr Wen Qi Zhang
Postal address
Laser Physics and Photonics Devices Laboratory
University of South Australia,
Q Building
Mawson Lakes Campus
GPO Box 2471
Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095
