Optical Engineering Research Group
Our multi-disciplinary team has a proven track record of innovation in optics and laser technology, ranging from whole-field measurements of vibrating structures to optical diagnostics in fluid mechanics, as well as the application of high-power lasers in high-value manufacturing.
Our facilities
The Optical Engineering Building (525m²) houses industrial-scale optical diagnostics for combustion studies and high-power laser machining activities. These diagnostics features specialised laser sources, including Nd:YAG, Copper Vapor, Excimer and dye lasers, along with a range of equipment for high-speed imaging, stereo particle imaging velocimetry FTIR and other spectroscopic techniques.
The high-power lasers include CO2, Nd:YAG, Excimer and fibre lasers together and CNC and fume extraction equipment for welding, cutting and joining of metals, composites and textiles.
Optical metrology and engineering mechanics are housed in a new facility (280m^2) on the ground floor of the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering building. This facility contains specialist laser sources including pulsed Nd:YAG, long coherence land tuneable laser sources. The laboratories feature 10 vibration isolated optical tables and associated optical components for precision interferometric measurements.
