Glass Blowing at the Microscale: Atypical Fibres for Societal Benefits

There's a whole world of different and atypical fibres made from various glass materials, each with unique shapes such as holey, hollow core, and suspended core designs. 

When we think of optical fibres, we typically imagine the silica fibres that power our internet connections. These innovative fibres aren't just for the internet—During this lecture, you will learn about the myriads of amazing applications they have.

In the labs of Adelaide University, researchers are pioneering these advanced optical fibres with intricate internal designs. Dr Anna Radionova will present how they are manufactured. Like traditional glass, these fibres are shaped using precise blowing techniques. However, the wholes created are on the scale of microns!

Dr Stephen Warren-Smith will discuss how a special type of optic fibre, suspended core fibres, is used for high-temperature sensing. Glass has key properties that make it ideal for temperature-sensing optical fibre. During this lecture, Stephen will explain the technique his team developed to create an accurate instrument for temperature measurements in extreme conditions. Using this technology, Stephen has partnered with SJ Cheesman to test the sensors in the Port Pirie minerals and metals processing facility.

Dr Sarah Scholten will follow by introducing optical frequency combs, the world’s most accurate ruler! Optical frequency combs are currently at the heart of a 35-million-dollar Australian Research Centre, the CoE COMBS, led by RMIT University of Melbourne. Dr Scholten is one of the researchers working on this transformative technology. Traditionally made with micro-sized holes optic fibre, we're now exploring ways to dramatically reduce their size and cost. Making the world’s most accurate ruler affordable and accessible will open exciting new possibilities. From analysing the composition of our breath for quick and accessible health assessments to managing greenhouse gases released by mines and farms to even measuring the colour of distant stars to detecting orbiting planets.

All lectures are supported by The University of Adelaide, the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Inspiring SA, ANFF, Optofab, and special thanks to partner ARC CoE Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
for this lecture.

Enhance your evening with picnic boxes for a selection of treats, available for pre-order to pick up from the Noel Lothian Hall.

Arrive early to meander under majestic trees and through the lush landscapes of Adelaide Botanic Garden while exploring the stunning Chihuly in the Botanic Garden for before the show.

Your ticket includes a drink upon arrival, available from 6:00pm, with the lecture starting at 7:00pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see glass in a new light!

Keen to attend all 4 Science Talks? Email botanic.exhibitions@sa.gov.au for 20% off

Wednesday Wonders
On Wednesday nights this spring, join us for a unique series of events.

Be delighted by local artists for some mid-week magic at the Music Series, or explore the scientific realms of glass in fascinating Science Talks, in partnership with the University of Adelaide's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing.

Arrive up to an hour before your event to see the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition in a new dimension as the sun sets, grab a drink from the bar or pre-order a picnic box to enjoy in the Garden.

For more events in this series, see the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium What's On page!