Fibre optic communication and advanced sensing technology with applications in healthcare, quantum computing, mining, fire detection and construction could all be soon developed with next-generation microchips packaged in Brisbane.
The Queensland Advanced Photonics Packaging Centre (Q-APP) is now open at CSIRO’s Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) in Pullenvale and is the first facility in Australia to prepare tiny photonic chips for real world technologies.
Photonic chips use light to revolutionise computing, processing data at super-fast speeds, while being more energy-efficient than standard silicon chips. At Q-APP, the intricate parts that make up a photonic chip will be carefully connected and tested, using specialised equipment under sterile environments.
CSIRO Research Group Leader Karsten Hoehn said the opening of Q-APP will help accelerate the real-world use of promising photonics technologies.
“Q-APP helps bridge the gap between an idea and reality, giving Australian researchers and companies access to the expertise and equipment needed to build and test photonic chips locally,” said Mr Hoehn.
“This facility allows us greater mobility and speed in our progress in next-generation computing, bringing developments in faster communications, advanced manufacturing, and future quantum systems one step closer than before.”
Prior to the opening of the $6 million CSIRO facility, the first in Australia, photonic chip parts had to be sent overseas for packaging.
Queensland’s Chief Scientist, Dr Kerrie Wilson said this facility would support Queensland’s ambition to grow its quantum and advanced technologies sector and create the workforce it needs to succeed.
“We are excited to have this advanced facility based here in Queensland. Our science and innovation ecosystem includes researchers working closely with industry partners to develop and scale these technologies, enabling commercialisation of Queensland discoveries and innovations,” Prof Wilson said.
“Supporting infrastructure is a crucial part of this process, as are the opportunities to build a quantum-ready workforce.”
Q-APP is primarily funded through the Queensland Government’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program. The program is designed to help start-ups and industry accelerate the development and commercialisation of prototype devices, strengthening Queensland’s emerging quantum and advanced technology sectors and workforce.
