The University of Queensland Precision Sensing Initiative (PSI) seeks to enhance real-world outcomes of next-generation sensing research at UQ.
The three-year $1.17 million initiative is a joint venture between the School of Mathematics and Physics, and the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. It's directed by Professor Warwick Bowen and is affiliated with Precision Sensing Australia.
The PSI comprises UQ- and industry-based experts spanning the fields of quantum technology, photonics and electronics, healthcare and medical diagnostics, the resources sector, and the aerospace and defence industries.
Essential role
Sensors play an essential role in modern technologies, providing capabilities in areas ranging from navigation to timing, and chemical and biological diagnostics.
Quantum effects are integral to enhancing the performance and capabilities of precision sensors, with research developments currently geared towards improving sensitivity and speed, lowering energy consumption and miniaturising devices.
The PSI focuses on the physical technologies associated with quantum and photonic sensors, and the engineering architectures required for successful field deployment.
Central to the initiative is the establishment of the Optoelectronic Integration Facility (OIF), which enables our researchers to take laboratory proof-of-principle nanotechnologies and integrate them into industry-ready prototypes.
Aims
The PSI aims to:
- create a focal point at UQ for precision-sensing research and applications
- grow UQ’s ties with industry and defence
- strengthen UQ’s position as an international leader in the translation of quantum nanoscience and photonics into real-world applications.
It will do this by:
- developing an Optoelectronic Integration Facility (OIF) capable of developing ideas into industry-ready prototypes
- providing matching start-up funds for collaborative research with industry and defence
- engaging with defence and State Government individuals and organisations to establish national and state-wide precision sensing initiatives.
The PSI aims to:
- create a focal point at UQ for precision-sensing research and applications
- grow UQ’s ties with industry and defence
- strengthen UQ’s position as an international leader in the translation of quantum nanoscience and photonics into real-world applications.
It will do this by:
- developing an Optoelectronic Integration Facility (OIF) capable of developing ideas into industry-ready prototypes
- providing matching start-up funds for collaborative research with industry and defence
- engaging with defence and State Government individuals and organisations to establish national and state-wide precision sensing initiatives.
Optoelectronic Integration Facility
All modern technology features micro- and nano-fabricated components such as electrical logic elements and memories, nanomechanical filters and sensors, lasers and photodetectors.
The Optoelectronic Integration Facility (OIF) allows us to integrate these diverse components into application-ready technologies.
It provides capabilities for flip-chip bonding, die-bonding, housing, fibre optic pigtailing, alignment of active and passive photonic components, and wire bonding.
Location and equipment
Based in the Parnell Building (Building 7), the facility comprises interconnected rooms that are dedicated to optoelectronic and mechanical integration and packaging.
Its state-of-the-art equipment includes:
- a fibre alignment and pigtailing system to connect fabricated devices to fibre optics
- a die bonder to enable advanced chip-level integration processes such as flip-chip bonding, 3D packaging, chip-to-glass bonding and sensor packaging
- a HEPA-filtered workstation with cleanroom class 100 laminar air flow to protect the die bonder from particulates
- a critical point dryer to aid in processing fragile devices.
Wider applications
The OIF is widely applicable outside of photonic and quantum sensors, and has capabilities to integrate nanoelectronic and microfluidic systems, laser and terahertz sources, and energy harvesting devices.
The facility is available to UQ researchers and industry partners, and provides an enhanced student learning environment with strong pathways to high-skilled jobs.
All modern technology features micro- and nano-fabricated components such as electrical logic elements and memories, nanomechanical filters and sensors, lasers and photodetectors.
The Optoelectronic Integration Facility (OIF) allows us to integrate these diverse components into application-ready technologies.
It provides capabilities for flip-chip bonding, die-bonding, housing, fibre optic pigtailing, alignment of active and passive photonic components, and wire bonding.
Location and equipment
Based in the Parnell Building (Building 7), the facility comprises interconnected rooms that are dedicated to optoelectronic and mechanical integration and packaging.
Its state-of-the-art equipment includes:
- a fibre alignment and pigtailing system to connect fabricated devices to fibre optics
- a die bonder to enable advanced chip-level integration processes such as flip-chip bonding, 3D packaging, chip-to-glass bonding and sensor packaging
- a HEPA-filtered workstation with cleanroom class 100 laminar air flow to protect the die bonder from particulates
- a critical point dryer to aid in processing fragile devices.
Wider applications
The OIF is widely applicable outside of photonic and quantum sensors, and has capabilities to integrate nanoelectronic and microfluidic systems, laser and terahertz sources, and energy harvesting devices.
The facility is available to UQ researchers and industry partners, and provides an enhanced student learning environment with strong pathways to high-skilled jobs.
Our people
Investigators
Professor Warwick Bowen, Director
Professor Aleksandar Rakic, Deputy Director (ITEE)
Associate Professor Michael Bromley
Dr Joel Carpenter (ITEE)
Associate Professor Karen Kheruntsyan
Dr Yah Leng Lim (ITEE)
Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
Professor Stephen Wilson (ITEE)
Investigators
Professor Warwick Bowen, Director
Professor Aleksandar Rakic, Deputy Director (ITEE)
Associate Professor Michael Bromley
Dr Joel Carpenter (ITEE)
Associate Professor Karen Kheruntsyan
Dr Yah Leng Lim (ITEE)
Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
Professor Stephen Wilson (ITEE)
Research and industry links
Research links
ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS)
ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computing and Communication Technologies (CQC2T)
ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)
Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE)
Medical Diagnostic Technologies Queensland (MedTeQ)
Industry links
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
US Air Force Research Laboratory
Research links
ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS)
ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computing and Communication Technologies (CQC2T)
ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)
Centre for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE)
Medical Diagnostic Technologies Queensland (MedTeQ)
Industry links
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
US Air Force Research Laboratory
Contact us
For more information or to engage with us, contact Professor Warwick Bowen.
For more information or to engage with us, contact Professor Warwick Bowen.