Photonics

Vibrational spectroscopy of anti-microbial peptides

This project investigates the use of vibrational spectroscopy to investigate structural changes in Gramicidin S, an antimicrobial peptide, due to changes in its environment.

Time resolved CARS

This project uses a unique photonic crystal fibre (PCF) that was developed together with Prof. Alex Heidt from the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Bern that can produce coherent polarisation maintaining broadband pulses. Due to the coherence, these broadband pulses can be compressed to time durations shorter than the original pulses. This is achieved through compression techniques that we have developed using spatial light modulators (SLMs) in a 4f shaper geometry.

Optical trapping of aerosol particles

We are developing specialised laser traps together with Dr A Ward from Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. 

Optical coherence tomography

We are investigating schemes to improve the axial resolution of optical coherence tomography, surpassing what is traditionally achievable using broadband light sources.

Biophotonic platform

We constructed an integrated optical tweezers/microfluidic system for the monitoring of live cells.

PI: Prof. Pieter Neethling

Quantum nanophotonics

The quantum nanophotonics project continues as part of the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI) and a Laser Rental Pool grant from the CSIR. Research is focused on advancing compact quantum optical devices using plasmonic nanostructures coupled with nitrogen-vacancy centres (NVCs). 

Quantum sensing

Quantum sensing research is aligned with SA QuTI and an African Laser Centre grant from the CSIR. The research leveraged quantum plasmonic sensors based on Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interferometry, demonstrating enhanced refractive index sensing compared to classical methods.

PI: Prof. Mark Tame

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Ultrafast spectroscopy

The group focuses on fundamental investigations of photo-induced reactions on ultra-short time-scales. Current projects include:

• Memristive devices
• UV-absoring compounds
• Transient spectroscopy of donor-acceptor polymer films
• UV-pump MIR--probe measurements with subpicosecond resolution on a class of osmium and ruthenium phenanthroline and polypyridyl complexes.

Fluorescence microscopy

The research focuses on developing and modeling imaging systems to locate and track fluorescent objects far below the optical diffraction limit.

PI: Dr Gurthwin Bosman

Quantum control

The long-term aim of the project is to demonstrate unsharp (weak) quantum measurement in a cost-effective setup using two isotopes of ytterbium.

High resolution spectroscopy

 This project investigates laser-based resonance ionisation as a technique to purify atomic isotopes for medical use.

Collaboration with ISOLDE facility (CERN)

Dr Christine Steenkamp is part of a collaboration at the ISOLDE facility, CERN. During December 2024 she participated in an experiment testing a new technique to produce ultracold molecules by laser-photodetachment.

PI: Dr Christine Steenkamp

Theory of biological systems

The statistical physics of soft condensed matter and biological systems, presents tools to investigate the role of structures and physical processes in living matter. Of particular interest in biology is that the phenomena occur out of equilibrium. Our work is focused on the cellular and subcellular length scales, both on equilibrium properties but also including the role of molecular machines in cells (so-called active matter).

Projects include:

• To understand the structural and viscoelastic properties of asters coupled by cross-linking active motors.
• Development of a model for dynamical networking as found in reversible synthetic networks and in cytoskeleton.
• Studying the dynamics of ingression of the malaria parasite in red blood cells.

PI: Prof. Kristian Müller-Nedebock

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Free-space satellite-based quantum communication

The project was based on a collaboration with the University of Science and Technology of China to implement the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere and the longest intercontinental link between South Africa and China.

High-dimensional encoding for free-space quantum communication

This project is aligned with SAQuTI and the CSIR NLC Rental Pool program. Quantum communication with optical modes carrying orbital angular momentum may play a crucial role by enabling the encoding of multiple bits of information per photon, significantly increasing data capacity and security.

Fibre-based quantum communication

This project is aligned with SAQuTI and the CSIR NLC Rental Pool program. Guiding orbital momentum (OAM) modes through optical fibre is a significant challenge due to modal dispersion, mode coupling, and fibre imperfections. Unlike conventional linearly polarised modes, OAM modes are highly sensitive to perturbations such as bending and twisting, which can cause mode mixing and degradation of the structured light beam. This project focuses on the investigation of nested Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) with a hexagonal lattice of air holes, capable of supporting Orbital Angular Momentum modes (OAM).

PI: Dr Yaseera Ismail

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The 3D innovation research group works on additive manufacturing, X-ray tomography and biomimicry and extends to many local and international collaborators.

PI: Prof. Anton du Plessis

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