The group of Applied Photonics were exposed to a great multitude of different technologies, of which the main one was ion trapping. In doing this, researchers were able to freeze moving ions using laser technology. After doing this they were able to observe the ions and thus improve their knowledge of these materials. This department has a partial background in chemistry and material sciences, allowing them to form a “hybrid unit” using laser technology to improve their understanding of chemistry and materials.

Another study unit focuses on studying different types of lasers, how they function and how they could be used to improve the standard of life, infrastructure and development in a human and social perspective. The most interesting use of lasers was that of the Bessel beam which reconstructs itself after it has been affected in any way. If an object was placed in the way of the laser beam, the laser would be affected momentarily. However,  it would return to its original beam structure afterwards. Research on transportation of information is being done by using this property of the beam. Other applications of lasers in this department were those where lasers where used in conjunction with various pathogens such as the HIV virus in an attempt to understand it better.

One other research area that was particularly interesting was that of the Mathematical Optics group from the laser research facilities. This area seemed to focus on the mathematical and information technology related aspects of laser research. An example was that of research being done by using lasers to transfer information at speed in excess of 50 terabytes per second.  Mathematical calculations seemed to be the main focus of this research area. It was also in this area that the group learned the basics of how lasers operated and how they functioned to a certain extent.

The group now have a basic idea of how a laser functions and a few of its practical applications. Interesting ideas such as the use of holograms were brought up, and the group was able to see an extremely basic two-dimensional hologram in practice. From an overall perspective, the visit was a success, allowing students to gain new understanding and experience practices that they had not previously been exposed to.

Prof. Andrew Forbes, the group leader said afterwards: “We have thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the Crypto Giants; the students are very enthusiastic, ask lots of questions, and a pleasure to interact with.  We plan to continue our association with this excellent initiative going into 2014”.