Defence Innovation Network’s (DIN) regional roadshow event took place on Monday in Canberra, hosted by the Australian National University’s (ANU) College of Engineering, Computing & Cybernetics (CECC).
The Defence Innovation Network is led by eight universities in NSW and the ACT and supported by the NSW Government and Department of Defence, aiming to offer defence industry opportunities to engage with relevant technology research.
Director of DIN, Professor Bradley Williams, stated during the opening panel that one of the challenges currently facing defence is effectively utilising the skills and capabilities of universities for the purposes of innovation.
This event, taking place in the new Research School of Physics (ANU RSP), was able to highlight some of the capabilities that the ANU’s facilities and researchers can offer the defence industry, exploring the near future applications of current R&D.
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to showcase some of the ANU portfolio of critical technologies, to support and stimulate future collaborations, in support of Australian Defence’s sovereign industrial capability”, said Professor Tony Hosking, Director of the School of Computing in the ANU CECC.
Presentations from the ANU RSP offered defence applications for their research, in critical development areas such as laser optics, and quantum technology in computing, communications, and sensing.
For instance, spectrum management has become vital when considering communications, and ANU researchers are helping to develop the Compact Hybrid Optical/RF User Segment (CHORUS) project, which would offer both traditional RF spectrum communications as well as laser-based optical communications in order to augment transmission availability.
Professor Andrey Sukhorukov presented research from the Arc Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS), which is developing ultrathin nanostructures that can be used in lieu of lenses, offering more compressed technology for applications of quantum imaging. By downsizing bulky optical tables into a tiny light detector it opens up a variety of Defence applications, including the ability to capture spectrum and polarisation to reveal invisible artificial and underwater objects, or enable stronger and more accessible night vision.
Professor John Close also introduced research in developing gravimeters that enable ultra-precise local gravity measurements. This can be used to detect changes in ground density, including hidden hollow spaces such as underground bunkers.
These presentations were followed by opportunities for industry participants to mingle with the university presenter’s to encourage further questions and networking, as well as chances to tour some of ANU’s facilities.
“I was impressed by the level of engagement, and so pleased for ANU to be part of DIN”, said Professor Tim Senden, Director of the ANU RSP in the College of Science.