A ground-breaking research center focused on optical technologies, which could create lifelike moving holograms that display straight from your phone screen, is being officially launched at The Australian National University (ANU). The ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) brings together some of the greatest minds from five Australian universities with 20 partner organizations into a research consortium that aims to change how we use light.
Technology featuring holograms
Along with holographic phone screens, the futuristic technology of holograms could also make self-driving vehicles an everyday reality and allow doctors to receive real-time images from inside patients at a cellular level. TMOS Director and Professor in Physics at ANU Dragomir Neshev said:
“The lens-based optics used in modern-day devices are based on concepts of light that are 3000 years old. That’s why your phone is as thick as it is — traditional lenses must be wide enough to work. What we’re developing are optical surfaces that replace big lenses. That’s a game-changer for almost every industry.”
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said:
“Australia’s future prosperity and wellbeing rely on the fundamental research required to transform future industries. Integrating and advancing our knowledge of light and its interaction with materials at the nanoscale is a tremendously exciting new field. I’m keen to see how the new ARC Centre TMOS will deepen our knowledge of this growing area of science pioneered in Australia that promises to impact our future way of life significantly.”
The CEO of the Australian Research Council (ARC), Judith Zielke, who is speaking at the launch event, noted the value of ARC Centres:
“ARC Centres of Excellence are focal points of expertise, through which high caliber researchers collaborate to deepen and deliver research in national priority areas, strengthen Australia’s international standing, and substantially impact the quality of life Australians enjoy. The study by TMOS will enhance the quality of life for everyday Australians and strengthen Australia’s research capacity.”
“I am looking forward to seeing the real-life research outcomes of the ARC Centre of Excellence over the coming years and the amazing researchers that will continue to innovate for Australia due to their training and the work with industry partners.”
Professor Neshev said:
“The ongoing funding for this project means that Australia can become the ‘go-to’ location for cutting edge research and development of miniaturized meta-optics that can enable us to see the invisible. Australia’s talent, infrastructure, and community support make it an ideal place for innovation. We’re excited to be part of this next step towards new technologies that will fundamentally shift how many industries operate.”
Provided by The Australian National University [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.]
