Emerging Optical Materials,Fibres & Devices for Next Generation Sensor and Source Technologies

Recent advances in fabrication technologies along with a range of sophisticated modeling and design tools are enabling the realization of photonic devices with micro and nano-scale structure that can be used to interact guided light with light, liquids or gases to create new classes of light sources and sensing devices. IPAS brings together research on the development of new classes of optical materials with research in glass extrusion and optical fibre development, notably micro and nanostructuring, surface functionalization and device development. This paper will provide an overview of this research capability and describe recent advances, including optical materials for the mid-infrared, nanoparticles embedded within glass, new classes of chemical and biological sensors (suitable for use in ultra-low volume samples and/or in-vivo), laser devices, and tailored nonlinear effects in novel fibres for optical data processing applications.