Optical Fibres: Nanostructures enabling new properties and applications

Abstract

Breakthroughs in optical materials and in techniques for introducing nanoscale structures and coatings into optical fibres are now creating entirely new ways of guiding light, controlling the interactions of light with light, and of light with materials. This talk will present a review of recent advances in the fabrication and post-processing of optical fibres, and a guided tour through the range of optical characteristics now possible using this optical platform. Particular emphasis will be placed on revealing the new physical insight that is emerging from the study of micro and nanoscale structures within optical fibres, of these the opportunities this sub-wavelength structuring creates for developing new classes of optical-fibre based devices. A virtual tour of optical fibre research within IPAS at the University of Adelaide will be presented, and our work on developing new technologies for defence, health and agriculture will be described.