Laser technology

CSIR and University of Pretoria collaborate in atmospheric laser remote sensing research in SA The CSIR National Laser Centre and the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology at the University of Pretoria (UP) have embarked on a project involving specialised laser research into atmospheric remote sensing using laser radar, more popularly known as light detection and ranging (lidar).

Using a laser to create fuel The CSIR National Laser Centre's rental pool programme grantholder Professor Muzi Ndwandwe, who is Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, is involved in three research projects, one of which involves splitting H2O (water) by laser and using hydrogen (H2) as an alternate fuel source.

Research into 'twisted' light that could be used for secure data transfer CSIR National Laser Centre researchers Angela Dudley and Melanie Mclaren, led by Dr Andrew Forbes, and academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, have started on an ambitious project to investigate quantum entanglement using vortex beams. Quantum entanglement also has applications in telecommunications and secure data transfer.