Associate Professor Francis Bennet
Areas of expertise
- Lasers And Quantum Electronics 020502
- Classical And Physical Optics 020501
- Nonlinear Optics And Spectroscopy 020503
- Astronomical And Space Instrumentation 020102
- Astronomical And Space Sciences Not Elsewhere Classified 020199
- Photonics, Optoelectronics And Optical Communications 020504
Available student projects
A variety of projects in the field of adaptive optics are available in consultation. Please contact me for further information. The projects below can be tailored to a students needs and skills. Other projects and information are available at the RSAA undergraduate research project site: http://rsaa.anu.edu.au/study/undergraduate-research
Project 1:
PhD Student Project in Adaptive Optics for Quantum Communications
Atmospheric turbulence perturbs optical signals, causing fading transmission, noise and degrading the quality of a an optical channel. Adaptive Optics (AO) is a technology developed for astronomical instrumentation and laser propagation to correct an image after the transmitted light has travelled through turbulent media. We are applying these AO techniques to free-space optical quantum communication. Modern telecommunications have revolutionised the way we communicate, and new techniques in quantum communication can provide information theoretically secure ways to communicate such as quantum key distribution (QKD). To achieve long range quantum communication such as inter-continental, quantum communications will require the use of free space optical links to/from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
The aim of our program at ANU is to develop AO equipped optical instruments to enable a satellite Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD) network. The ANU have been developing AO for free space optical communications. A compact demonstrator system has been built and tested over short horizontal distances to further develop the application of AO to optical communications.
We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join our team working on Advanced AO for Quantum Satellite Communication at ANU in the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA). The program will contribute towards building Australia’s own satellite-to-ground optical link. This work will be carried out in collaboration with RSAA, the Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE) and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group). A background in physics or related engineering course is a requirement and keen interests in optical instrumentation, adaptive optics, digital signal processing, communications, control system and/or quantum optics are highly desirable. There is the potential for opportunities to visit our collaborators at DLR in Germany and NICT in Japan.
In this PhD project you will investigate the use of AO in a horizontal free space laser link and be a key person in the implementation of a point-to-point CV-QKD free space link. You will develop a prototype system in the lab and work closely with other members of the team to develop the AO and free space optics. The final goal will be to demonstrate a positive key rate over a horizontal free space channel as an analogue of satellite-to-ground communication.
This three-year PhD position is sponsored by the Department of Defence’s DST Group based in Adelaide (see www.dst.defence.gov.au). The candidate must be an Australian citizen prior to the commencement of the PhD, and have been awarded the equivalent of a First Class Honours degree in Engineering or Physics. Prospective students will be expected to obtain an RTP or equivalent scholarship, and may be awarded a DST Group $5,000 per annum top-up scholarship in addition to travel and conference funds bringing the total stipend up to $50,000 for studies and travel.
For further information contact: Francis Bennet: Francis.Bennet@anu.edu.au or Oliver Thearle: Oliver.Thearle@anu.edu.au.
Publications
- Bennet, F, Ferguson, K, Grant, K et al. 2020, 'An Australia/New Zealand optical communications ground station network for next generation satellite communications', Free-Space Laser Communications XXXII 2020, ed. Hamid Hemmati, Don M. Boroson, SPIE, United States, pp. 7pp.
- Marin, E, Sivo, G, Lombardi, G et al. 2019, 'GEMS 2.0: Are we there yet?', 6th International Conference on Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes, AO4ELT 2019, AO4ELT, Quebec, pp. 1-9.
- D'Orgeville, C, Fetzer, G, Floyd, S et al. 2018, 'Semiconductor guidestar laser for astronomy, space, and laser communications: Prototype design and expected performance', Adaptive Optics Systems VI 2018, ed. L. Close, L. Schreiber, D. Schmidt, SPIE, United States, pp. 1-12.
- Copeland, M, Bennet, F, Rigaut, F et al. 2018, 'Adaptive optics corrected imaging for satellite and debris characterisation', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, ed. Laird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt, SPIE, Bellingham, United States, pp. 1-7.
- Herrald, N, Bennet, F, D'Orgeville, C et al. 2018, 'Lens mounting techniques for precise radial location of fragile lenses in the NGS2 and Veloce instruments', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, ed. Laird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt, SPIE, Bellingham, United States, pp. 1-8.
- Lingham, M, Grosse, D, Bennet, F et al. 2018, 'Adaptive optics tracking and pushing system for space debris manoeuvre', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, ed. Laird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt, SPIE, Bellingham, United States, pp. 1-15.
- Korkiakoski, V, Grosse, D, Lingham, M et al. 2018, 'Site characterisation at Mount Stromlo: results with a single-detector stereo-SCIDAR', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, ed. Laird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt, SPIE, Bellingham, United States, pp. 1-9.
- Korkiakoski, V, Rigaut, F, Price, I et al. 2018, 'High level adaptive optics supervision software for fast transition to optimal performance', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2018, ed. Laird M. Close, Laura Schreiber, Dirk Schmidt, SPIE, Bellingham, United States, pp. 1-9.
- Bennet, F, Lam, P, Roberts, L et al 2018, 'Free space laser communications with adaptive optics and quantum key distribution', SPIE Photonics West: Free-Space Laser Communication and Atmospheric Propagation XXX, ed. Hamid Hemmati, Don M. Boroson, SPIE, online.
- Grosse, D, Bennet, F, Rigaut, F et al 2017, 'Space Debris Manoeuvre with Adaptive Optics Using a Ground-based Telescope', 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2017), Curran Associates, Inc., Red Hook, NY, pp. 3785-3790.
- Sivo, G, Marin, E, Garrel, V et al 2017, 'Getting ready for GeMS 2.0: A workhorse AO facility', 5th Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes, AO4ELT 2017, ed. K Daniel, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, Spain, pp. 11pp.
- Korkiakoski, V, Grosse, D, Thorn, E et al. 2017, 'Site characterisation at mount stromlo observatory: The first results', 5th Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes, AO4ELT 2017, ed. K Daniel, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, Spain, pp. 9pp.
- Bennet, F, Petkovic, M, Sheard, B et al 2017, 'High-Altitude airborne platform characterisation of adaptive optic corrected ground based laser', 18th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS, ed. S Ryan, Curran Associates, Inc., Red Hook, NY, pp. 1-7.
- Copeland, M, Bennet, F, Rigaut, F et al 2017, 'Satellite and debris characterisation in LEO and GEO using adaptive optics', 18th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS, ed. S Ryan, Curran Associates, Inc., Red Hook, NY, pp. 1-6.
- Thorn, E, Korkiakoski, V, Grosse, D et al 2017, 'Stereo-SCIDAR System for Improvement of Adaptive Optics Space Debris-tracking Activities', 18th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS, ed. S Ryan, Curran Associates, Inc., Red Hook, NY, pp. 1-6.
- Rigaut, F, Price, I, D'Orgeville, C et al 2016, 'NGS2: A focal plane array upgrade for the GeMS multiple tip-Tilt wavefront sensor', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016, ed. F Malbet, M J Creech-Eakman & P G Tuthill, SPIE, Bellingham, Washington, pp. -.
- Korkiakoski, V, Osborn, J, Grosse, D et al 2016, 'Single detector stereo-SCIDAR for Mount Stromlo: Data analysis', Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans V, ed. van Eijk A.M.J.Davis, SPIE, USA, pp. 11pp.
- Dixon, T, Bennet, F, Price, I et al 2016, 'Characterising latency for AO optical sensors: An implementation', Adaptive Optics Systems V, ed. E Marchetti, L M Close and J P Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Bellingham, Washington, pp. -.
- Grosse, D, Bennet, F, Korkiakoski, V et al 2016, 'Single detector stereo-SCIDAR for Mount Stromlo', Adaptive Optics Systems V, ed. E Marchetti, L M Close and J P Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Bellingham, Washington, pp. -.
- Bennet, F, Rigaut, F, Price, I et al 2016, 'AO corrected satellite imaging from Mount Stromlo', Adaptive Optics Systems V, ed. E Marchetti, L M Close and J P Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Bellingham, Washington, pp. -.
- Thorn, E, Grosse, D, Rigaut, F et al 2016, 'Site testing for space situational awareness', 17th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS 2016, ed. S Ryan, AMOS, TBC, pp. 1-6pp.
- Copeland, M, Bennet, F, Zovaro, H et al, eds, 2016, Adaptive Optics for Satellite and Debris Imaging in LEO and GEO, AMOS, TBC.
- Zovaro, H, Bennet, F, Copeland, M et al 2016, 'Harnessing Adaptive Optics for Space Debris Collision Mitigation', 17th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS 2016, ed. S Ryan, AMOS, TBC, pp. 1-9pp.
- Bennet, F, Price, I, Rigaut, F et al 2016, 'Satellite Imaging with Adaptive Optics on a 1 M Telescope', 17th Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, AMOS 2016, ed. S Ryan, AMOS, TBC, pp. 1-9pp.
- Dixon, T, Bennet, F, Price, I et al 2016, 'Characterizing latency for AO optical sensors: An implementation', SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016, ed. F Malbet, M J Creech-Eakman & P G Tuthill, SPIE, Bellingham, Washington, pp. 1-7.
- Bennet, F, D'Orgeville, C, Price, I et al 2015, 'Adaptive optics for satellite imaging and space debris ranging', Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference AMOS 2015, Curran Associates, Inc., Hawai'i USA, pp. 9pp.
- Bennet, F, D'Orgeville, C, Gao, Y et al 2014, 'Adaptive optics for space debris tracking', Adaptive Optics Systems IV, ed. Marchetti, E., Close L.M., Veran, J.-P., SPIE, Bellingham, USA.
- D'Orgeville, C, Bennet, F, Blundell, M et al 2014, 'A sodium laser guide star facility for the ANU/EOS space debris tracking adaptive optics demonstrator', Adaptive Optics Systems IV, ed. Marchetti, E., Close L.M., Veran, J.-P., SPIE, Bellingham, USA.
- Bennet, F, D'Orgeville, C, Gao, Y et al 2014, 'Ground based adaptive optic enhanced LIDAR for space environment management', Australian Institute of Physics Congress - The Art of Physics, ed. Conference Organising committee, Australian Institute of Physics, Canberra.
- Bennet, F, Uhlendorf, K, Gardhouse, W et al 2013, 'Integrated optic segment piston sensor for the GMT', 3rd Conference on Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes (AO4ELT 2013), ed. Simone Esposito and Luca Fini, INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy, pp. 8pp.
- Conan, R, Bennet, F, Bouchez, A et al 2013, 'The Giant Magellan Telescope laser tomography adaptive optics system', 3rd Conference on Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes, (AO4ELT 2013), Florence.
- Bennet, F & Molina, M 2012, 'Nonlinear light localization around the core of a holey fiber', Journal of the Optical Society of America B, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 2161-2165.
- Bennet, F, Conan, R, D'Orgeville, C et al 2012, 'Adaptive optics for laser space debris removal', Adaptive Optics Systems III, ed. Brent L. Ellerbroek, Enrico Marchetti, Jean-Pierre Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Amsterdam, pp. 844744(1-6).
- Bouchez, A, Acton, D, Arcidiacono, C et al 2012, 'The Giant Magellan Telescope adaptive optics program', Adaptive Optics Systems III, ed. Brent L. Ellerbroek, Enrico Marchetti, Jean-Pierre Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Amsterdam, pp. 1-12.
- Conan, R, Bennet, F, Bouchez, A et al 2012, 'The giant magellan telescope laser tomography adaptive optics system', Adaptive Optics Systems III, ed. Brent L. Ellerbroek, Enrico Marchetti, Jean-Pierre Veran, SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Amsterdam, pp. 1-17.
- Zeller, E, Bennet, F, Neshev, D et al 2011, 'Laminated Air Structured and Fluid Infiltrated Polymer Waveguides', IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 23, no. 21, pp. 1564-1566.
- Bennet, F, Alexander, T, Halinger, F et al. 2011, 'Self-trapping of broad beams in defocusing nonlinear lithium niobate waveguide arrays', European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO-EUROPE_EQEC 2011), IEEE, Munich Germany.
- Bennet, F, Neshev, D & Kivshar, Y 2011, 'Observation of nonlinear self-trapping of broad beams in defocusing waveguide arrays', Physical Review Letters, vol. 106, no. 9, pp. 093901.
- Bennet, F, Amuli, I, Neshev, D et al 2010, 'Switching from nonlinear beam focusing to defocusing in periodic structures', Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics, Quantum Electronics and Laser Science/Conference on Photonic Applications, Systems and Technologies (CLEO/QELS 2010), ed. Craig Arnold, Tommaso Baldacchini, Malcolm Gower, et al, Optical Society of America, San Jose, CA.
- Bennet, F, Amuli, I, Sukhorukov, A et al. 2010, 'Focusing-to-defocusing crossover in nonlinear periodic structures', Optics Letters, vol. 35, no. 19, pp. 3213-3215.
- Bennet, F & Farnell, J 2010, 'Waveguide arrays in selectively infiltrated photonic crystal fibres', Optics Communications, vol. 283, no. 20, pp. 4069-4073.
- Bennet, F H & Farnell, J 2010 'Waveguide arrays in selectively infiltrated photonic crystal fibres', Optics Communications, vol. 283, pp. 4069-4073.
- Lobanov, V, Kalinovich, A, Sukhorukov, A et al 2009, 'Nonlinear reflection of optical beams in the media with a thermal nonlinearity', Laser Physics, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 1112-1116.
- Bennet, F, Farnell, J, Rasmussen, P et al 2008, 'Nonlocal gap solitons in fully and selectively liquid infiltrated photonic crystal fibres', Australian Institute of Physics Congress 2008, Australian Institute of Physics, Adelaide Australia.
- Bennet, F, Rasmussen, P, Rosberg, C et al. 2008, 'Nonlocal Gap Solitons in Infiltrated Photonic Crystal Fibres', Frontiers in Optics, FiO 2008, Optical Society of American (OSA), Rochester, NY.
- Rasmussen, P, Bennet, F, Neshev, D et al. 2009, 'Observation of two-dimensional nonlocal gap solitons', Optics Letters, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 295-297.
- Zeller, E, Bennet, F, Neshev, D et al 2009, 'Planar fluid infiltrated waveguide arrays in SU8 epoxy polymer', Australasian Conference on Optics, Lasers and Spectroscopy and the Australian Conference on Optical Fibre Technology in association with the International Workshop on Dissipative Solitons (ACOLS ACOFT 2009), ed. Australian Optical Society, Australian Optical Society, Australia, pp. 150-151.
- Bennet, F, Zeller, E, Larter, T et al 2009, 'Light propagation in novel fluid infiltrated polymer waveguide arrays', European Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics and the International Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/IQEC 2009), ed. Optical Society of America, Optical Society of America, USA, p. 1.
- Bennet, F, Amuli, I, Neshev, D et al 2009, 'Observation of focusing to defocusing crossover in nonlinear two-dimensional periodic structures', Australasian Conference on Optics, Lasers and Spectroscopy and the Australian Conference on Optical Fibre Technology in association with the International Workshop on Dissipative Solitons (ACOLS ACOFT 2009), ed. Australian Optical Society, Australian Optical Society, Australia, p. 2.
- Bennet, F, Rosberg, C, Neshev, D et al 2008, 'Temporal nonlinear beam dynamics in infiltrated photonics crystal fibres', Proceedings of SPIE - Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging, vol. 6801, pp. I1-11.
- Bennet, F, Rosberg, C, Rasmussen, P et al 2008, 'Nonlocal gap soliton in liquid infiltrated photonic crystal fibres', COIN and Australian Conference on Optical Fibre Technology (COIN-ACOFT 2008), ed. Conference Program Committee, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE Inc), Sydney Australia, pp. 1-2.
- Rosberg, C, Bennet, F, Neshev, D et al 2007, 'Tunable diffraction and self-defocusing in liquid-filled photonic cyrstal fibres', Optics Express, vol. 15, no. 19, pp. 12145-12150.
- Searle, A, Savage, C, Altin, P et al 2005, 'Through Einsteins Eyes', Australian Physics, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 84-86.
Projects and Grants
Grants information is drawn from ARIES. To add or update Projects or Grants information please contact your College Research Office.
- DLR SOFA University of Auckland Subcontract (Primary Investigator)
- RMS Star Shot - Airbus SPA collaboration (Secondary Investigator)
- SmartSat UK-Australia Space Bridge: Towards a Federated Quantum Key Distribution System the Australian Element (Secondary Investigator)
- Compact Hybrid Optical-RF User Segment (CHORUS) Phase 2 (Primary Investigator)
- Australian Deep Space Optical Ground Station (Primary Investigator)
- Q-Pathfinder - Quantum Enhanced Secure Communications for Small Satellites and Internet of Things (IoT) (Primary Investigator)
- Q-Pathfinder - Quantum Enhanced Secure Communications for Small Satellites and Internet of Things (IoT) (Primary Investigator)
- Compact Hybrid Optical-RF User Segment (CHORUS) (Secondary Investigator)
- Experimental Atmospheric Turbulence Characterisation (Primary Investigator)
- Optical Ground Station Under Development with Adaptive Optics for Laser Communications Research (Primary Investigator)
- Optical Channel Modelling Scoping Study (Secondary Investigator)
- Towards the Construction of Australia's Quantum Optical Ground Station (Primary Investigator)
- Adaptive Optics for Optical Ground Station (Primary Investigator)
- Space qualification of quantum technologies: towards quantum satellites for secure Defence communications (Secondary Investigator)
