Reconfigurable image processing metasurface

In work just published in Nature Communications, a collaboration between University of Melbourne, CUNY, and RMIT University has demonstrated a metasurface that can be switched between edge detection and producing a conventional image. The device integrates a thin film of VO2 that undergoes a phase change at around 68C altering its optical properties opening up applications in remote sensing and biological imaging. A summary of the work can be found in a TMOS blog post here. Cosmos has also covered the work. Story here.

              


New ultra-thin ammonia sensor

In work led by McKenzie Fellow, Dr Nitu Syed, researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, have developed a gas sensor using atomically thin transparent two-dimensional (2D) tin dioxide film. The material has a thickness of only 2 nanometres which is 50000 times thinner than a paper. Reducing the thickness to only a few atoms substantially increase the flexibility of the material and makes it ideal for integration into wearable devices such as smartwatches and medical patches. An article about describing this work is here and the originally (open access) article can be accessed by following this link.


New paper on influence of disorder on beetle colour

Work led by Tim Davis is featured as an Editor's Pick in the latest Optics Express - link here. We show that by extracting structural information from transmission electron microscopy data, including characteristic disorder parameters, good agreement with spectral specular and non-specular reflectance measurements can be obtained.

 

 


TMOS seeking new PhD and MSc students for 2024 commencement

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-optical Systems (TMOS) is currently seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD research higher degree and MSc coursework students. Students should send an expression of interest to Professor Ken Crozier and/or Professor Ann Roberts - a list of potential projects can be found here. Applications need to be submitted before the 14 October to be considered in the first round for 2024 so prospective supervisors need to be contacted well before then. Note that entry to the PhD program at the University is highly competitive and only very high achieving students will be encouraged to submit a full application. Information about PhD studies at Melbourne, including eligibility and the application process can be found here and MSc coursework in Physics here.


Deconstructing beetles elucidates origins of colour

In work just published in Materials Today Advances, members of the group, led by Laura Ospina-Rozo, report new results into the optical and near-infrared properties of beetle elytra. We showed that some scarab beetles use composite, non-chiral structures to reflect light where the elytra consist of a broadband reflective structure overlain by a green filter. The green near-infrared reflective elytra may enable both camouflage and passive cooling.


TMOS launched!

Members of the Melbourne node, Dr Wendy Lee, Dr Lukas Wesemann and PhD student Shaban Sulejman attended the official launch of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) at ANU on the 28th September. The launch was attended by Australian Research Council Chief Executive Officer Ms Judith Zielke, ANU Vice Chancellor Prof. Brian Schmidt in attendance and ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop in attendance.


Number of posts found: 77