Research impact

IPAS material lab image

Driving innovation through transdisciplinary research and disruptive technologies

IPAS drives a transdisciplinary approach to science and excellence in research through the development of disruptive new sensing and measurement technologies. We engage with a wide range of priority industries to understand the measurement challenges they face, that if solved, would transform industry productivity. We harness the core capabilities and form interdisciplinary teams around a wide array of funded research projects. The outcome and impact of these projects range from new scientific discoveries and innovations to spin-out companies and the creation of new jobs.

Research themes

Defence and security

Precision Measurement Group

The team develops ytterbium optical clocks, using ultra-stable atomic oscillations for precise timekeeping, enabling secure navigation, resilient GPS alternatives, and next-generation quantum timing networks for defence and critical infrastructure applications.

Personal and societal health

Bioengineering Imaging Group

The team has developed an ultrathin 3D-printed endoscopes that combine light-based imaging and nano/micro-manufacturing to see inside arteries, identify high-risk plaques, and help doctors prevent heart attacks.

Space science and astrophysics

ARC Centre of Excellent for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav)

The OzGrav Adelaide team is building advanced sensors and laser systems to fix heat distortions in gravitational wave detectors, boosting sensitivity and helping us understand the universe.

Sustainable energy, mining and resources

The Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory (PELL)

In partnership with TeraGlo, the team is developing quantum sensors using novel fluorescence to enable portable, real-time identification of rare-earth materials for mining, energy, and resources.

Agriculture, food and wine

Centre of Light for Life

The team developed through-the-bottle spectroscopy to assess wine authenticity and quality, analysing chemical composition and signatures non-invasively to detect counterfeits and safeguard consumer safety while preserving the bottle’s integrity.

Advanced manufacturing

Photonic materials & optical fibres

With Flawless Photonics, the team drew nearly 12 km of ZBLAN fibre in microgravity aboard the ISS, advancing space manufacturing and ultra-low-loss optical fibres for next-generation quantum telecommunications.

Laser Physics and Photonics Devices Laboratories (LPPDL)

The team work on experimental laser physics, photonic sensors, and ultrafast laser fabrication. Current research areas include advanced fibre and waveguide lasers, photonic manufacturing techniques, and advanced remote sensors for defence and mining sectors.

ARC Centres

  • The ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
  • The ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav)
  • The ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech)
  • The ARC Training Centre for Radiation Innovation (RadInnovate)

Engage with us

Explore partnership opportunities with IPAS to transform ideas into real-world solutions. Our state-of-the-art facilities support prototyping and testing and our deep connections with industry, government, and academia foster discovery, innovation and translation.

Contact us

Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing

Location

Location
Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
Adelaide University
Level 1, The Braggs Building, City Campus, Adelaide SA 5000

Telephone

Phone: +61 8 8313 9211

Email

Email: ipasadelaide@adelaide.edu.au