Solid-state lasers
Our focus is on developing niche lasers and manipulating laser beams to suit specific applications or market needs. The group develops beam-shaping devices for high-power laser manufacturing equipment such as three-dimensional (3D) printers and laser cladders. Our bespoke laser systems are used in mining, defence and marking applications. The group also focuses on thermal aberration control and the development of laser-based sensing devices, such as optical coherence tomography.
Contact information:
Highlights
Novel CSIR optical system captures surface and subdermal fingerprint
Through optical coherence tomography, we developed a non-invasive imaging system that uses light waves to capture micrometre-resolution images. By acquiring internal and surface fingerprints simultaneously, it captures the fingerprint in 3D format and represents it in 2D, allowing it to be used in databases alongside prints acquired from conventional scanners. This is particularly valuable for identifying mummified corpses or individuals with worn fingerprints due to manual labour, where the internal fingerprint can be used instead. The technology can also detect fake prints to prevent false identification attempts or spoofing. The system was calibrated using the optical coherence tomography computer at our Photonics Prototyping Facility.
Production of further diamond sorting lasers for De Beers Ignite
The CSIR has developed bespoke laser systems that have been integrated into diamond sorting processes at De Beers Ignite mines in Botswana. To the naked eye, diamonds and quartz appear similar; however, Raman spectroscopy can detect molecular structures, making it possible to distinguish between the two despite their similar molecular signatures. The CSIR laser system enables the Raman spectroscopy process to accurately differentiate diamonds from quartz.
Our capabilities
Our capabilities include:
Development of continuous wave and pulse solid-state lasers
Modelling of lasers and thermal aberrations
Beam shaping of a variety of visible and infrared lasers
Beam delivery solutions and positioning of multi-kilowatt laser beams
Compensation for thermo-optical distortions
Systems integration and measurement protocols for laser beams
Research and development of high-power bulk mid-infrared laser sources (between 1.9 and 2 µm)
Laser repair and consultation
Our research
Our research focuses on enhancing laser-based applications through the development and manipulation of laser beams. A key focus area is power and energy scaling while maintaining good beam quality of the laser output. This includes research into novel laser concepts and geometries, thermal handling, laser resonator design and numerical modelling of lasers. Other areas of interest include special operating regimes such as high spectral purity and single-frequency operation.
Solid-state lasers include visible lasers (green pulsed laser systems applicable for marking and copper processing), infra-red lasers (1µm continuous wave and pulsed lasers for various applications and beam shaping) and mid-infrared lasers (direct infrared countermeasure systems operating at 1.9 – 2 µm)
Our facilities
Solid-state Laser Research Laboratory
The solid-state laser research laboratory is housed in a Class 1 000 cleanroom facility, featuring isolated Class 100 and Class 10 areas for highly sensitive, dust-free work. A range of optical diagnostic equipment supports the development, analysis and optimisation of laser systems across the optical spectrum. CSIR researchers and engineers work closely with clients to develop tailored laser sources suited to their specific applications. Where a suitable commercial laser is already available, CSIR laser technology experts provide specialised consulting services to help perfect the solution.
Photonics Prototyping Facility
The Photonics Prototype Facility supports CSIR projects and developers of photonics-based inventions by providing expert evaluation and reducing time to market. Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the facility houses state-of-the-art infrastructure and networks essential for accelerating the development of photonics-based innovations. The facility is available to innovators with proven technologies who require further development support, including established industries, research institutes, small, medium and micro enterprises and start-ups with novel products in health, energy generation, security and communication systems.