New partnership to advance photonics research

A partnership between Swinburne TAFE's Centre for New Manufacturing and UK-based nanotechnology company Melles Griot will see Swinburne gain cutting-edge nano-positioning equipment that will be a vital tool for researchers in a variety of fields.

The machine was provided through Melles Griot's local distributor Lastek. The partnership is part of a broader agreement with the Victorian Photonics Network (VPN), of which Swinburne is a partner. The VPN is a State Government initiative that represents Victoria's growing photonics industry. Photonics involves the study of generating and transferring optical fibres and is applied in a number of different areas.

As part of the agreement, a $200,000 6-axis NanoMax 600 machine will be housed at Swinburne's CNM to be used by photonics researchers based at both Swinburne and other universities. In addition, it will assist start up companies and others in Victoria's photonics industry who are unable to invest in this level of equipment. The equipment will help researchers, for example, to create and align new optical devices capable of processing information at greater speeds.

The machine can potentially be used in engineering, medicine and telecommunications where nanotechnology is becoming increasingly important for developing new technologies. Ultra-precise instruments such as those created on the NanoMax are key components of microscopes, robots, optical equipment and communications.

Warwick Howland from the CNM said the agreement between Swinburne and Melles Griot would help advance photonics research and manufacturing in Victoria. "The photonics industry is growing and this agreement will help further Swinburne's unique involvement in the industry, from specialised technician training through to research. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Melles Griot."

The NanoMax600 is used widely in the broadband telecommunications industry overseas and is widely recognised as one of the more advanced nano-positioning machines.

The equipment, to be housed in the Manufacturing Equipment Capability Alliance (MECA) Workshop will help strengthen the centre's role in new and emerging technologies.

Item provided courtesy of Swinburne University