When we think of optical fibres, we typically imagine the silica fibres that power our internet connections. These innovative fibres aren't just for the internet—During this lecture, you will learn about the myriads of amazing applications they have.
In the labs of Adelaide University, researchers are pioneering these advanced optical fibres with intricate internal designs. Dr Anna Radionova will present how they are manufactured. Like traditional glass, these fibres are shaped using precise blowing techniques. However, the wholes created are on the scale of microns!
Dr Stephen Warren-Smith will discuss how a special type of optic fibre, suspended core fibres, is used for high-temperature sensing. Glass has key properties that make it ideal for temperature-sensing optical fibre. During this lecture, Stephen will explain the technique his team developed to create an accurate instrument for temperature measurements in extreme conditions. Using this technology, Stephen has partnered with SJ Cheesman to test the sensors in the Port Pirie minerals and metals processing facility.
Dr Sarah Scholten will follow by introducing optical frequency combs, the world’s most accurate ruler! Optical frequency combs are currently at the heart of a 35-million-dollar Australian Research Centre, the CoE COMBS, led by RMIT University of Melbourne. Dr Scholten is one of the researchers working on this transformative technology. Traditionally made with micro-sized holes optic fibre, we're now exploring ways to dramatically reduce their size and cost. Making the world’s most accurate ruler affordable and accessible will open exciting new possibilities. From analysing the composition of our breath for quick and accessible health assessments to managing greenhouse gases released by mines and farms to even measuring the colour of distant stars to detecting orbiting planets.
All lectures are supported by The University of Adelaide, the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Inspiring SA, ANFF, Optofab, and special thanks to partner ARC CoE Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
for this lecture.
Enhance your evening with picnic boxes for a selection of treats, available for pre-order to pick up from the Noel Lothian Hall.
Arrive early to meander under majestic trees and through the lush landscapes of Adelaide Botanic Garden while exploring the stunning Chihuly in the Botanic Garden for before the show.
Your ticket includes a drink upon arrival, available from 6:00pm, with the lecture starting at 7:00pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see glass in a new light!
Wednesday Wonders
On Wednesday nights this spring, join us for a unique series of events.
Be delighted by local artists for some mid-week magic at the Music Series, or explore the scientific realms of glass in fascinating Science Talks, in partnership with the University of Adelaide's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing.
Arrive up to an hour before your event to see the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition in a new dimension as the sun sets, grab a drink from the bar or pre-order a picnic box to enjoy in the Garden.
For more events in this series, see the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium What's On page!
Dr Anna Radionova: Dr Anna Radionova is an expert in optical fibre manufacturing, from preform fabrication to drawing fibres from soft and silica glasses. She has successfully tackled complex manufacturing challenges to meet industrial needs, resulting in new products and techniques. Anna collaborates with industry partners like IRflex Corporation, Trajan Scientific and Medical, and Maple Glass Printing. Passionate about public science engagement, she organised the "Present, Past and Future of Glass" exhibition in 2022-2023, showcasing work with IPAS, ANFF Optofab Adelaide, and Jam Factory’s Glass Studio. Dr Radionova currently leads research on advanced optical fibres for mid-infrared applications and 3D glass printing of optical fibre preforms.
Stephen Warren Smith: is an ARC Future Fellow in the Future Industries at the University of South Australia and a post-doctoral researcher with the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide. His research specialises in leveraging unique optical effects in specialty optical fibres to tackle industry-specific sensing challenges. With a strong background in both soft-glass and silica microstructured fibre fabrication, Stephen's expertise extends to fluorescence sensing modelling, surface functionalization of optical fibres, and the development of optical fibre sensors. His work also encompasses fibre Bragg gratings and ultra-high temperature sensing, highlighting his significant contributions to advancing optical fibre technology for industrial applications.
Sarah Scholten: Dr Sarah Scholten is a researcher at the University of Adelaide specialising in precision measurement using the unique properties of light. With a PhD in molecular spectroscopy and extensive experience in optical frequency combs, Sarah has advanced our understanding of atomic physics through her work on compact high-stability optical clocks. Her passion lies in translating experimental innovations into practical measurement devices, aiming to solve complex problems and deliver real-world benefits.