Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPAC)

Our team uses the science of light to create new technologies that are more energy efficient, faster, and more compact to solve challenges across the biomedical, data communications and defence industries.

We are based at RMIT University and are working to bridge the gap between fundamental physics and industry in Australia.

We work with industry and end-users to design, prototype and scale-up photonic chips to make new products that can be printed precisely and cost-effectively.

Read about our partnerships below.

News

Intelligent aircraft – monitoring material performance in real time

Strain sensing tools are the unsung heroes helping keep our aircraft safe and in the skies for longer, and our researchers at the Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre are making them even smaller and more robust for real-time in-air feedback.

Observing malaria infections in real-time for better drug treatment

To find a better drug treatment for malaria, a team of researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and our Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre are using plumbing techniques – but at the microscale – to better understand how infections occur.

Retrofitting internet superhighways with more data ‘lanes’

As global internet data demand grows by around 25% each year, our team at the Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre is developing technologies to get the biggest bang-for-buck out of existing optical fibres to help our infrastructure keep up with demand.

Lithium niobate from post war years back in vogue, sparking potential new chip industry in Australia

Our Team Leader Andy Boes and Director Arnan Mitchell led research published in 'Science' that found integrated photonics chips could be harnessed in space navigation and farming.

New research centre to bring world’s best measuring device out of the lab

A collaborative research centre of excellence – led by our Centre Director Arnan Mitchell – will develop ultra-precise measuring devices that could enable high-speed internet, better medical screening technologies and carbon emissions monitoring.
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Key research areas

InPAC is made up of six key research areas, with each area overseen by a team leader that brings together groups
of researchers and students interested in that key research area.

Simulation and Design

Covers the complete circuit design flow process for the design, simulation and layout of photonic integrated circuits.

Fabrication

Ensures that all our photonic integrated circuits perform the way they were intended for many different applications.

Interfacing

After a chip has been designed and fabricated, interfacing ensures it can be packaged to fit within your existing systems.

Data communications

Explores how cutting-edge integrated photonics can achieve ultra-high speed data communications.

Biomedical

Advancing diagnostics by offering advanced tests for early illness prediction by combining photonics and microfluidics.

Defence and Precision Sensing

Engages with industry and defence agencies to provide integrated photonic solutions for more precise, accurate and compact sensors.

Are you interested in any of these key research areas?

We have a range of opportunities available for PhD positions, Postdoctoral positions and Internship and Capstone pro-
jects.

 

Working with us

Image people in white personal protective equipment

Our Centre is based at RMIT and works with industry and end-users to design, prototype and scale-up photonic chips to make new products. A special focus is set on energy efficiency, compact, light-weight and robust (mechanical and electro-magnetic) solutions.

Our team is made up of academics who are well-connected to photonics industries and manufacturers. We see ourselves as the translators between fundamental physicists and industry, to help bridge the gap of the ‘valley of death’ in translating research into a usable product. And we’re proven to do that in two years.

We are constantly monitoring emerging global trends to ensure that the chips are compatible with evolving scale up mass manufacture. This means whatever the end-product, it can be rapidly translated into the global industrial context. 

No matter the standards and serialised interfaces you use, we can work with you to prototype a product that you can ‘plug straight in’ to your existing systems. This has two benefits for you; firstly, you will immediately derive value from your prototype because it is made to fit, and secondly, you will be able to obtain critical feedback for the next iteration. 

We work with high quality businesses and end-users to achieve global impact. We have a vision of one day establishing a manufacturing base for these chips here in Australia. 

Get in touch

Arnan Mitchell

If you would like to know more about the Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre, please contact us.

Director: Arnan Mitchell

Email:arnan.mitchell@rmit.edu.au

 

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