The New ZBLAN Glass: From Ocean Depths to Space

Did you know that a significant portion of our internet connectivity relies on optical fibres made from silica, a type of glass commonly found in our everyday lives? 

In optical fibres, information is transformed into light, an optical signal, that can travel through the fibre. This lecture is NOT about silica fibre, it is about the next-generation optical fibre, made in space, that will allow faster and more reliable internet.

Discover the cutting-edge world of ZBLAN, a fluoride glass known for its low optical loss, ideal for transmitting light over long distances without significant signal loss. Invented in France in 1975, ZBLAN has the potential to revolutionise internet and laser technologies.

Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem will introduce ZBLAN, explaining why this innovative glass is poised to transform technologies as we know it. 80% of the internet is cabled and they offer a breakthrough solution. Will ZBLAN fibre replace current undersea optical fibre cables? For high-performance laser systems, ZBLAN is also an ideal candidate. Is ZBLAN-laser the future of industrial cutting, medical procedures and high-power laser beams? This lecture will highlight how ZBLAN bridges the gap between existing technologies and future innovations.

Dr Erik Schartner will discuss work on ZBLAN glass, a possible replacement for the silica glass currently used in the global telecommunications network. This glass needs to be drawn in microgravity to realise its full potential, and Dr Schartner will talk about the recent drawing of ZBLAN fibre in space, which was completed by astronauts on the International Space Station in March-April 2024 and how researchers and technical staff from the University of Adelaide contributed to overcoming the technical challenges to perform this historic feat.

Dr Ori Henderson-Sapir will then explore how ZBLAN is advancing fibre laser technology. By utilising ZBLAN’s exceptional properties, Ori will show how this glass facilitates the creation of highly efficient visible and mid-infrared (mid-IR) lasers, setting new benchmarks for precision and power. These advancements are critical for various industries, including defence, mining, medical devices, and data communications.

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 Flawless Photonics 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 6pm, 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.