AU

The Photonics Research Group at AU was founded in 1991 by the current Group leader Prof. Ian Bennion and has since built up an international reputation for work on fibre grating technology and its applications in optical communications and sensing. The group currently numbers around 50 full time academic staff, postdoctoral research assistants and PhD students and since 2001 has brought in more than €1.5M/year in research funding from the UK research councils, industry, medical charities and the EU. Expertise within the group covers theoretical modelling computer simulation and experimentation, the latter taking place within a suite of more than 20 laboratories. The experimental facilities have recently been enhanced by the investment of around €3M by the University; a sign of its support for, and long term commitment to the Group.

The laboratories contain a range of laser systems for grating inscription and micromachining. There are 4 frequency doubled argon ion laser systems and a copper vapour laser dedicated to grating inscription in silica fibre plus a HeCd laser that is used for polymer fibre grating production. In addition the Group has invested heavily in fs laser technology and now has three systems covering a wide range of pulse parameter space, which allows optimisation for grating and waveguide inscription and micromachining in various optical materials.