Themes
Advanced Manufacturing
Lasers are increasingly used in a wide range of manufacturing applications, driven by their ability to remotely deliver energy that can be highly concentrated in both space and time. By designing the laser parameters correctly, a wide range of different processes can be engineered, including welding, machining, surface texturing, and 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Both continuous and pulsed laser systems are used, dependent on the process requirements (e.g. continuous lasers are often used for welding, whilst micro-machining of glass typically requires ultra-short (picosecond, femtosecond) pulses.
Within SU2P we have expertise in the development of the industrial lasers used in manufacturing processes; in the understanding of laser-material interactions and development of novel processes such as glass-metal welding; and in the monitoring and control of processes. A particular growth area in recent years has been 3D printing of metals, and here we are in particular working to provide improved process understanding and control; also laser post-processing of 3D printed parts to improve surface finish and material properties.
Energy and Environment
Photonic technologies will play an increasingly significant role in reducing our environmental impact. If our societies are to save energy and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, we will have to find more efficient ways to produce and consume energy, and photonics offers solutions for both. Photonic technologies can generate or conserve energy, cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution, or yield environmentally sustainable outputs. Applications include: photovoltaic electricity generation, highly efficient solid-state lighting (SSL), new energy-efficient communication technologies, optical sensing for improved energy efficiency & reduced pollution, and clean manufacturing using laser processing.
SU2P has strengths in most areas of Photonics for Energy and the Environment including: Solar Cell technologies including organic solar cells, intelligent LED lighting, sensors and sensor networks, laser manufacturing
SU2P is pleased to work closely with the Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research (SISER)
Health and Medicine
The global bio-photonics market is forecast by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to reach $100bn by 2018. Biophotonic technologies have the potential for a wide range of applications in the diagnosis and treatment of many serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and impaired vision. Healthcare technologies based on photonics can enable less invasive procedures for eye surgery, retinal mapping, and more general surgery ranging from angioplasty to skin treatments. Imaging and spectroscopy enable real-time procedures for both in-vivo-analysis and in-vitro diagnostics. Photonic manufacturing technologies allow the production of complicated 3D shapes to a high level of accuracy.
SU2P has strengths across the Photonics for Health and Medicine including: optical imaging, optical tweezers, organic LEDs, optogenetics, neurophotonics, lasers for manufacturing, retinal imaging and photoporation.
ICT
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contributes to improvements in health-care, government and education through increased web access. It also benefits our social lives. Photonic technologies are at the heart of the ICT infrastructure, which relies heavily on fibre optic communications. Photonics will increase the reliability and pervasiveness of ICT. Access to photonics-enabled web-based services and the speed and quality of those connections will contribute to the competitiveness of people and communities. Photonics will continue to be at the heart of imaging, displays and communications offering efficient solutions to enabling the next generation of technology development for industry, commerce, government and the consumer.
SU2P has strengths in Photonics for ICT: integrated photonics, communications systems, display backlights, fibre opic components, III-V semiconductors, silicon photonics
Security and Defence
Photonics can help protect the safety and security of global citizens. The use of light enables remote, contactless sensing and measurement. It is ideal for sensing the detailed geometry of objects for more reliable recognition and fewer false alarms. Safety applications include equipment for detecting pollution and driver assistance systems to improve road safety. Security applications include biometrics and border surveillance systems, video surveillance systems and equipment to detect dangerous and illegal goods.
SU2P has strengths in Photonics for Defence and Security including: multispectral imaging, laser for active imaging from Visible to THz., sensors in the visible, near and Mid IR, single photon imaging.
SU2P is pleased to work closely with the CENSIS Innovation Centre