Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (cudos)

Judith has taken the Photonics simulator to two more secondary schools for trials. These were Arden Secondary School in Epping (year 9) and MLC School in Burwood, (end of year 10) . At each school Judith gave an illustrated talk about photonic communications systems, before introducing the photonics simulator and helping the students to create their own networks. We asked the students to complete surveys before and after the lesson to gauge how much they learned in the lesson, and to get their feedback on the computer simulation. Their feedback was valuable, and some improvements are planned. In general, the students gained an understanding of how signals are coded for telecommunications, and they learned about some of the components that go into a communications network. Students also asked questions about career prospects and the types of jobs in this field, which is an indication that even at middle secondary level, they are thinking about careers.

In 2005 Judith heard that there was an IT course in the Department of Computing seeking project ideas for the participating students.

In a group meeting discussing possible project ideas, it may have been PhD student Ben Johnston who came up with the original idea of a Photonics Simulator where players are able to build photonics networks using the supplied toolkit of components to build optical networks. Later Nem Jovanovic put in a Herculean effort to develop a series of scenarios and specifications for how such a game might be developed. Kali and Nem together prepared a proposal for the IT students. The first time around the project was not selected (2006) but a repeat submission in 2007 saw MIT student Adam Strickland choosing to learn all about Photonics whilst meeting his course requirements. Robert Williams, newly on board with CUDOS, developed a dictionary of Photonics terms to accompany the original specifications. Then Adam (with support from Judith) spent many hours working on how to translate the ideas into a functional program suitable for trialling in some high school science class rooms to study learning uptake and engagement of science using interactive media.

Here is Adam giving the CUDOS team a lecture (left) on the project implementation, concepts and findings. The talk was very well received by all and inspired a number of ideas for future evolutions of the simulator. The consensus was that Adam did a great job.

Judith and Adam trialled the optical network simulator (discussed more above) at Oakhill College in several science classes (Yrs 9 and 10 on the 1st and 2nd November). Fiona Shand, a participating teacher who visited CUDOS in December 2006 as part of a research program, said the project went well.

Local school science teachers had a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in photonics research, getting experience and new knowledge to take back to their classes. After their visit these four are probably the most up-to-date science teachers in the state when it comes to contemporary optics and photonics research!

This visit was a part of a trial for the CUDOS National Outreach Program to see whether teachers benefit from self-directed visit programs that include researcher shadowing and hands-on practicals. We will await their feedback reports with great interest. In the meantime you can read about the visit program here.

Daniel Leykam & Michael Steinkamp

In a Macquarie first for engineering, researchers at Macquarie University were finalists in two categories at the national Engineering Excellence Awards 2007, also taking home a Highly Commended award in the Innovations and Inventions category.

The team, consisting of A/Prof Michael Withford, Dr Alexander Fuerbach, Dr Graham Marshall, Dr Peter Dekker and Martin Ams, were awarded for work on their laser written waveguides for use in all-optical data networks.

Pictured at left are our two CUDOS ambassadors-at-large collecting the award on the evening and some pictures of images primarily developed by Martin Ams showcasing the Macquarie University research on the night.

From right, PhD student Martin Ams and A/Prof Michael Withford (centre). Presenting the award at far left is Tony Smeeton, a Partner in Davies Collison Cave (a multi-disciplinary intellectual property practice).

The group were finalists in both "Research & Development" and "Innovations and Inventions" categories. You can view more pictures here.

The 2008 Engineering Excellence Awards will be launched at the Powerhouse Museum on Wednesday, February 6th.

2 Students Awarded at the Annual LUCID Research Expo
18th September 2007

This year two of our PhD students took home awards for their research posters at the industry event LUCID, Dionne Haynes for Physics (see image of poster at right) and Luke Stewart for the overall People's Choice. Luke follows Martin Ams, CUDOS PhD People's Choice winner for 2006.

LUCID, a postgraduate research expo at Macquarie University in the fields of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Electronics was founded in 2006 by Ben Smith and will continue to showcase student research in the years ahead after a welcome reception by industry professionals.

Entrants to the expo must tailor their usual scientific research posters for a more general audience, enhancing communications and information uptake for all who attend the event.

More pictures to follow.

Ministerial lab visit in early September
5th September 2007

The state-of-the-art CUDOS laboratories often host visitors to Macquarie University interested in viewing a modern photonics research facility.

This month visits included a tour for The Hon Verity Firth MP, Minister for Science and Medical Research (Australian Government) and colleagues.

The group were accompanied by Prof Stephen Thurgate and A/Prof Michael Withford.

Martin Ams was invited to be one of four alumni panelists at several half hour sessions.

In August this year, with the help of Ben, Kali and Martin, Robert finished constructing the "Photonics Suitcase" - a display case which outlines the process involved in taking a piece of glass and turning it into one of our working photonic devices.  The Photonics Suitcase incorporates a poster and several real samples including raw optical glass, an in-glass laser-written display showing the three-dimensional design of a photonic device, as well as a working 1-to-8 waveguide splitter (fabricated by Martin Ams).  The suitcase was finished in time for the university Open Day and has since been on display at LUCID and Science Exposed.

Martin Ams led a team at the popular MQ Science & Engineering Challenge.