Laser Microfabrication and Photonics
The CLA first commenced research in laser micro-fabrication in 1992 with industrial partner MacNaught Medical seeking to fabricate precision flow controllers for drug delivery. Our work in this field quickly expanded to laser processing of a range of other devices such as superconductors, pharmaceutical products and even regulators for scuba tanks. Perhaps the most topical outcome of this research was our involvement developing both the laser machining system and techniques required to drill the gas flow controllers for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games relay torch. Notwithstanding, the CLA continues to undertake world-leading research in this field. Our fundamental studies have successfully identified and characterised a number of different ablation mechanisms at play when intense laser beams interact with matter. The CLA also continues to develop advanced micro-machining techniques, accessed by Australian industry through Laser Micromachining Solutions (LMS), and new micro- and nano-fabrication techniques used by the Centre for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS) to create a range photonic devices.
Laser Micromachining SolutionsLaser Micromachining Solutions (LMS) is a commercial venture
drawing on over 10 years experience from the Centre for Lasers
and Applications, Macquarie University. Our mission is to
provide cost effective, timely industrial solutions and offer
industry access to state of the art micro-structuring facilities
and world class professional technicians. Our lasers cover
the ultra-violet, visible and infra-red wavelengths with
which we can process the majority of metals, ceramics, polymers,
glasses and crystalline materials, with feature sizes as
small as 10 micron (less than 1/2,000 of an inch) in metal
and 1 micron in some crystalline materials. For more information
go to www.lasermicro.com.au or
read the Macquarie Researcher news article Micromachining
out of this world! Contacts: Mr David Baer, Dr Michael Withford |
 Laser Micromachining |
Nanosecond Laser Ablation and Micro-machiningFundamental studies of the mechanisms underpinning nanosecond laser ablation are required to improve the accuracy with which different materials are processed. Our detailed studies using a range of diagnostic tools have enabled us to identify the different regimes of material removal. For example, we have identified three different regimes controlling material removal of metals, namely:
|
 Image showing explosive ejection of liquid metal droplets from the central target region. |
| Contacts: Prof
Jim Piper, Dr
David Coutts, Dr
Michael Withford |
|
 From this ... |
 ... to this! |
| Detailed understanding of the processing controlling laser ablation enable the development of improved techniques for laser micromachining metals, polymers, ceramics, glasses and crystals. | |
CUDOS
CUDOS is a collaborative project combining the established expertise of researchers at the University of Sydney, ANU, Macquarie University, Swinburne University, the University of Technology. Its mission is to demonstrate all-optical processing applications and devices for ultra-high bandwidth optical telecommunications
CUDOS @ Macquarie has a range of major research projects micro-fabricating and characterising photonic devices. In particular, the group draws on over 10 years of expertise developed within the Centre for Lasers and Applications in miniaturisation engineering and laser physics. Our interests include the fabrication of 2-D photonic crystals, integrated optics, waveguides, optoelectronic components and radiation dynamics of guided wave systems.
Contacts: Assoc Prof Judith Dawes, Prof Jim Piper, Dr Michael Withford
 2-D photonic crystal (inset) and inverse 2-D photonic crystal fabricated using novel laser micro-machining techniques |
 Waveguides written inside bulk glasses using ultrafast pulsed lasers. |