ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)

TMOS is proud to join with MLAI to present a new colloquium series about the intersection of meta-optics and AI. Bright Minds will feature some of the world's foremost experts in both fields. Our first colloquium is next Wednesday 13th November @11am AEDT. REGISTER - https://lnkd.in/gZRSkdyw Stanford Assistant Professor Jonathan Fan will present "Machine learning methods for designing and modeling photonic systems." Jonathan will discuss computational algorithms based on deep neural networks that can accelerate the design and simulation of nanophotonic devices, using metasurfaces and metamaterials as model systems. He will discuss how physics-augmented deep networks can be trained with a combination of data and physical constraints to serve as accurate surrogate electromagnetic solvers. He will further discuss how these models can be used to train generative networks to perform population-based inverse design. A principal challenge involves configuring the algorithms in a manner that enables application to a wide range of problems, and we show how neural network can solve semi-generalized simulation and optimization problems involving photonic devices comrpising a range of domain sizes, fitting parameters, and functions. Finally, he will discuss his efforts in utilizing large language models to streamline the design and simulation experience for practitioners. He anticipates that with proper co-design of the neural network architecture with the scientific computing task, our surrogate solver and optimizer concepts can be adapted to large scale, three-dimensional photonic systems. Jonathan Fan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, where he is researching topics at the intersection of algorithms, materials science, and photonics. He received his bachelor’s degree with highest honors from Princeton University and his doctorate from Harvard University. He is the recipient of the Air Force Young Investigator Award, Sloan Foundation Fellowship in Physics, Packard Foundation Fellowship, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

The applications of ultrafast Q-boosting in semiconductor metasurfaces are vast and exciting. From high-speed optical modulators to advanced frequency converters, this technology offers the potential to transform a wide range of industries. By enabling precise control over the resonance bandwidth of metasurfaces, researchers can create new devices with unprecedented performance and functionality. For example, the technique can be used to develop highly efficient frequency converters for applications in optical communications and sensing. Additionally, it can be applied to create tunable optical filters and modulators with ultra-fast response times. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for applications in frequency conversion and light trapping and has the potential to revolutionize the field of optics and photonics. READ In: https://buff.ly/3LPXE4f Congratulations to lead author Ziwei Yang from the Australian National University and fellow authors Mingkai Liu, Daria Smirnova, Andrei Komar, Maxim Shcherbakov, Thomas Pertsch, and Dragomir Neshev for your article being published in Nanophotonics. All-optical tunability of semiconductor metasurfaces offers unique opportunities for novel time-varying effects, including frequency conversion and light trapping. However, the all-optical processes often induce optical absorption that fundamentally limits the possible dynamic increase of their quality factor (Q-boosting). Here, we propose and numerically demonstrate the concept of large Q-boosting in a single-material metasurface by dynamically reducing its structural anisotropy on a femtosecond timescale. This balance is achieved by excitation with a structured pump and takes advantage of the band-filling effect in a GaAs direct-bandgap semiconductor to eliminate the free-carrier-induced loss. We show that this approach allows a dynamic boosting of the resonance quality factor over orders of magnitude, only limited by the free-carrier relaxation processes. The proposed approach offers complete dynamic control over the resonance bandwidth and opens applications in frequency conversion and light trapping. #metasurfaces #optics #nanotechnology

TMOS PhD student Fedor Kovalev was today awarded the coveted Robert & Helen Crompton Award at the Australian National University Research School of Physics Founders Day celebrations. This award will support Fedor’s visit to TMOS Partner Investigator Prof. Andrea Alù Alu at The City University of New York later this year, where he will continue his work developing metasurfaces, a relatively new technology that has the potential to ease the pressure on telecommunication networks caused by the increased data needs of internet-connected home devices. Kovalev is developing a parametric amplification approach that enables time-varying metasurfaces to convert incident electromagnetic waves to higher frequencies than the pump frequency , a key requirement of ‘beyond 6G’ communication networks. The international collaboration supported by the award aims to confirm modeling results experimentally, share ideas, propose a new time-varying metasurface, resulting in a joint publication and potentially even a metadevice proposal that can be patented. Kovalev says, “I’m incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, and I thank Robert and Helen for their generosity. The award will help me build a strong professional network, gain access to new ideas and technologies, and explore new research opportunities. TMOS Chief Investigator and supervisor of Kovalev, Ilya Shadrivov, says, “Fedor is a talented researcher whose work shows exceptional promise. He has established multiple fruitful collaborations over the past two years, and he will greatly benefit from receiving this award.” The Robert and Helen Crompton Award is funded by The Robert and Helen Crompton Endowment Fund. Emeritus Professor Robert Crompton, an ANU physicist for over 40 years, and his wife Helen established this endowment to provide support for outstanding physics students. It is the intention of the ANU Research School and the Crompton family that the fund is used to enhance career opportunities and experience of students. This generous award enables RSPhys HDR students to undertake part of the research program overseas or make a collaborative visit to an overseas institution, for 3 to 6 months. Director of the ANU Research School of Physics, Tim Senden, says, “Robert and Helen were as passionate about developing new scientists as they were about the new science itself. This award has ensured that their scientific legacy reaches beyond Bob’s work on electron swarm physics into many other fields of physics, now including metasurfaces.” For more information about Kovalev’s research, please email connect@tmos.org.au

We're physicists, not chemists, but we're still going to have fun at this - not just because there is beer and food but because there are some stellar speakers in this line up!

This week is National Carers Week, a time to recognise, celebrate, and raise awareness of the incredible support that over 3 million Australians provide to family members and friends. At TMOS, we understand that caring responsibilities can create significant barriers to fully participating in work, particularly when it comes to professional development. That’s why we’ve introduced the Carer Scholarship, an initiative that offers financial support to any TMOS member who needs assistance while taking part in professional development activities, such as external training or conferences. We’re proud to support our community and help ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities for growth and development. #Nationalcarersweek

We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the 2024 Australian Institute of Physics Congress! This year, we celebrate an incredible 50 years since the first Congress, which has grown into the largest regular gathering of physicists in Australia. Join us in Melbourne this December for a fantastic program of plenary lectures, parallel specialised sessions, poster sessions, an exhibition, special events, industry events and a gala conference dinner. Registrations are now open so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration of the physical sciences and technology. We look forward to seeing you there! Register here: https://buff.ly/3Y4S3fW #AIP #AustralianInstituteOfPhysics #TMOS

The 2024 STEM Education and Industry Forum took place on September 30th in Sydney with a focus on the theme “Excellence in STEM Learning". TMOS was proud to be one of this year's sponsors, supporting the event's mission to bring together leading STEM professionals to share ideas, career opportunities, and resources between schools and industry. We are especially proud of Sergei who took part in the Teach Meet panel at the forum. Sergei shared their experiences with TMOS, highlighting the valuable opportunities TMOS provides students to gain experience in STEM.

ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)University of Technology Sydney

inSTEM Conference is back for another impactful year of workshops, keynote speakers, and panel discussions! 📅 WHEN? 📅 27th & 28th May 2025 🏫 WHERE? 🏫 RMIT, Storey Hall, Naarm/Melbourne This conference is for marginalised and underrepresented professionals in STEM, and those seeking to become stronger allies. Whether you're looking to grow your career, expand your network, or learn how to foster inclusivity, inSTEM 2025 is the place to be. SAVE THE DATE - REGISTRATION OPENS SOON! Special thanks to our sponsors: Australian Research Council, RMIT University, ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS), ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS), ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics, ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC), OzGrav #inSTEM2025

Yesterday, TMOS celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival by sharing personal stories about the moon and enjoying a variety of delicious mooncakes. 🌕 🥮 🏮 This festival is a significant holiday across many parts of Asia and has been celebrated for over 1,000 years. Its origins date back even further, over 3,000 years, to the Zhou Dynasty, when people worshipped the moon. Traditionally, it was a time to pray for a bountiful harvest, favorable weather, and peace. The festival takes place when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing abundance and togetherness. #Mid-AutumnFestival