Photonics
Photonics is the study of light. This broad definition encompasses the study of lasers, lights, atomic spectra, optical networks and thousands of current and future applications. If the 20th century was the era of electronics, the 21st is the era of photonics. Photonic networks already carry our phone calls and broadband internet data at the speed of light. Massive amounts of data can be transmitted effortlessly accross the country and around the globe.
In the future, optical devices will continue to replace copper cables in every application imaginable. Research is underway to create computer processors and memory storage devices that take advantage of the properties of light. The quantum computer is nearing practical reality.
In order for Australian students to make the most of the exciting opportunities forthcoming in the age of photonics, they need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills that are in demand now and into the future.
Photonics Minilab
Minilabs is dedicated to providing quality teaching materials for High Schools, Colleges and Universities. The minilab was born in the Physics Department of the Australian National University out of a desire to create a versatile, simple to use comprehensive kit to aid the learning of photonics.
Our photonics minilab is the ideal vehicle for teachers to use as a one stop solution to providing years 8-12 and beyond with a comprehensive knowledge of photonics. The minilab has been designed for students to take a hands on approach to photonics. The photonics minilab is safe, fun, affordable and most importantly of all an invaluable teaching aid that will convey all of the important aspects of photonics. It is fast and simple to set up even the toughest of experiments. Within a few minutes of opening the box you can be running a spectroscopy experiment, a Michelson Interferometer or even a free space optical link to send a radio signal embedded in a beam of light.
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