Staff: Prof Lindsay Botten, Dr Geoff Smith, Dr Tim Langtry (UTS), in collaboration with Prof Ross McPhedran, Prof Peter Robinson, Dr Martijn de Sterke (University of Sydney), and Research Associates, Dr Nicolae Nicorovici and Dr Ara Asatryan.

Research in wave science involves a collaboration between UTS and the University of Sydney and encompasses wave interactions in structured (periodic) and random media, nonlinear wave phenomena and inverse problems. The major thrust of the research programs here is in electromagnetic diffraction theory of periodic structures (in 1, 2 and 3 dimensions) with applications to photonic crystal technology, localisation in random media, and the theory of homogenisation and composite materials.

Of particular significance is the work concerning photonic crystals---the optical analogues of semiconductors which are set to play a key role in future communication and (possibly) computer technology. Indeed, advances in the field of wave scattering and localisation are underpinning progress in photonics and are bringing closer the development of zero-threshold lasers, sub-picosecond optical switches and all-optical transistors that will complement and extend conventional electronic technology.

Photonic crystals consist of periodic arrays of scatterers, the permittivity of which represents a periodic "potential" that, via Bragg scattering, generates band gaps that can inhibit the propagation of light in some (or all) directions and polarisations, over a range of frequencies. When defects (either structural or material) are introduced, localised modes that are analogous to the impurity modes of semiconductors appear in the band gap. Such properties, when combined with the use of active media, are of future, technological importance in the development of microlasers and optical transistors. The research is developing powerful new theoretical and computational tools for modelling photonic crystals and investigating their application in devices that control the flow of light, and which eventually will fulfil a crucial role in communication technology.

Recent successes in the research include a communication to Nature about the discovery and analysis of a naturally occurring photonic crystal in a marine animal (Aphroditidae sp.), and the development of the first local density of states calculations for a realistic photonic crystal of finite size (submitted to Phys Rev Lett). The latter represents a key milestone in the field as the capacity to manipulate radiation dynamics was the overriding original motivation for the development of photonic crystals.

Since 1995, this work has been supported by two ARC Large grants, two ARC Small Grants, with the computational infrastructure provided through three ARC RIEF grants (in collaboration with other NSW universities).

See also the Faculty of Information Technology's Research Strength in Advanced Computing page.