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New 5-Axis CNC Mill Expands Advanced Manufacturing Capability

We are excited to announce the installation and commissioning of a DMU 40 eVo linear 5-axis CNC milling machine at our fabrication facility in Thebarton.This addition marks a significant enhancement to our advanced manufacturing capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater precision, speed, and flexibility for our research and industry partners.
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Looking on the bright side for defence
Australia is now positioned to lead in developing next-generation, high-power fibre lasers, benefiting both defence and scientific research. The continued improvements in fibre optic laser technology will offer new possibilities in applications from defence to remote sensing.
Inside Optofab ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø: Support for Research & Discovery

The IPAS-hosted seminar on 27 March showcased the capabilities of Optofab ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, a hub of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem presented how the facility supports researchers and students with advanced glass, fibre, and surface functionalisation technologies. The event highlighted the importance of acknowledging Optofab and ANFF in publications when using their resources.
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Celebrating the Release of The Journey of Light Exhibition Video

The University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has published a new video showcasing The Journey of Light exhibition, now on display at the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Botanic Garden’s Museum of Economic Botany. This video shows the importance art can have on science, in this case, glass science and fabrication. A field ANFF Optofab ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Node is an expert in.
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Optofab ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Hosts Successful NCRIS SA Networking Event

On Thursday 13 March 2025, ANFF Optofab ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø proudly hosted a networking event for all NCRIS-supported research infrastructure facilities based in South Australia. This initiative, started by a representative of the Australian Research Data Commons, has the goal of bringing NCRIS representatives together, helping us understand the ecosystem and create long-lasting bonds.
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Strengthening Global Collaboration: An American Quantum Educational Visit

Optofab was honoured to host a group of distinguished American academics for a pivotal quantum educational visit.  This visit marked a significant step in fortifying global partnerships between Australian and US academics working in emerging fields such as quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, and nanotechnologies.
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2 ANFF Finalists Recognised for 2024 SA Science Excellence Awards

On August 12th, a prestigious ceremony was held to recognise the finalists for the 2024 SA Science Excellence Awards, during which Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem and Prof Craig Priest received their finalist certificates from the Chief Scientist for South Australia.
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First commercial-grade optical fibres fabricated in space
Special glass rods manufactured at the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø have been drawn into over eleven km of optical fibre on the International Space Station (ISS).Â
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Nanoparticle Magic: Fine-Tuning Gold Nanoparticles in Tellurite Glass for Unique Applications

After extensive prior research spanning more than a decade, scientists have introduced an innovative approach for incorporating gold nanoparticles into tellurite glasses, capitalising on their highly desirable attributes. Combining the distinctive light modulation and interaction capabilities of such nanoparticles in tellurite glass opens fresh avenues for photonics research and practical applications.
University researchers enhance lasers for defence and remote sensing

Researchers from the University of South Australia, University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and Yale University demonstrated the potential use of multimode optical fibre to scale up power in fibre lasers by three to nine times without deteriorating the beam quality, allowing it to focus on distant targets.
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