Member Organisation
ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS)
The world’s most accurate ruler, called the optical frequency comb, has revolutionised the measurement of time and space – in fact we use this technology every day as it runs the GPS in our smartphones.
However, today’s optical frequency combs are large, expensive and complex and remain trapped in specialist laboratories. The extraordinary potential of the optical frequency comb remains largely untapped.
About COMBS
We are making optical frequency combs as inexpensive, readily available and accessible as today’s consumer electronics enabling the hunt for earth-like planets, increased internet data speeds, rapid greenhouse gas measurement and more accurate mapping of our earthquake prone areas.
Our Capabilities
Building a culture of research translation and entrepreneurship
Provide opportunities for COMBS researchers to learn about research translation through focussed workshops and bootcamps, industry placements with COMBS partners, and mentoring with researchers who have rich experience in research translation and entrepreneurship
Impact mapping
Conduct impact mapping workshops with COMBS researchers and partners to identify industry and societal needs that our technology can address. This includes the ongoing identification of key markets and end-users, expanding our reach beyond current partners, particularly within Australia.
Building strategic partnerships
Engage with global industrial road mapping initiatives (e.g. IEEE Integrated Photonics Systems Roadmap), engagement with our industry partners, non-industrial impact opportunities (e.g. Astronomy and Space programs), and national security initiatives such as ASCA.
IP management
In collaboration with our University research partnership and translation teams, create common processes to capture and protect intellectual property and, most importantly, identify pathways for investment in the development and translation of this IP to create impact.
Impact and Translation
Our Centre’s Impact and Translation activities include:
✓ Building a culture of research translation and entrepreneurship
✓ Impact mapping
✓ Building strategic partnerships
✓ IP management