Australia enters the 'light age'

How Australia can participate in the world-wide photonics revolution - the science of using light to carry information - was the central focus of a national forum hosted by CSIRO in Sydney.

A major figure in photonics internationally, Dr Eric Vergnol from France Telecom and Alcatel, spoke at the forum to Australian researchers. He focused on areas of research in photonics and microwaves expected to play a major role in future broadband (more information, faster and cheaper) telecommunications systems.

The other prominent speaker at the forum was Professor Mark Sceats, Chief Executive of the Australian Photonics Research Centre and Director of the University of Sydney's Optical Fibre Technology Centre.

CSIRO's goal is to identify international opportunities for photonic developments that are relevant to its skills research base and to Australian industry. The forum offered the opportunity for local scientists to consider how they can influence the way photonics will affect our lives up to fifty years from now.

A team of researchers and designers at CSIRO's laboratories have already undertaken the preliminary design and evaluation of circuits based on high-speed photosensors, which provide the basis for microwave-photonics interaction.

Item provided courtesy of Science Industry