The All Beacon

The third project expects to provide new insights into objects by testing them without touching them or destroying them, especially under extreme conditions such as those in space. DWC researchers have created a world-class facility to inject light and detect elastic waves in objects. Practical and industrial applications have so far included the measuring of ripeness in fruit and the state of timber, ice and rock. Now, the new laser ultrasound capability at controlled temperatures and pressures will provide valuable insights in space exploration and the development of green hydrogen production.

The detection of diseases using optical sensing is the focus of the second flagship project. It seeks to develop novel luminescent nanoparticle systems which are optimised for optical imaging, temperature measurement and photoacoustic imaging. It will also use femtosecond machining to isolate extracellular vesicles (tiny liquid filled membrane sacs) and apply light to identify diseased cells. Clinicians are seeking advances in diagnostics and the use of biomarkers to improve treatment of breast cancer and pre-eclampsia in the placenta.

The first flagship project will assist our knowledge of human and animal bodies, including the breakdown of cartilage, bones and the brain. It will use a handheld imaging tool to allow optical biopsies to be done on-the-fly at the point of care. Collaborators include the University of Adelaide and the Flinders University, both in Australia, as well as the Centre of Excellence for Brain Research at Auckland University.