Latest Past Events

Optics and Antenna Theory Converge at Huygens’ Principle of Diffraction

Room: G42, Bldg: Tonsley building , Theatre 1 (room G.42), Tonsley Campus, Flinders University , Tonsley, South Australia, Australia, 5042

Daniel Headland earned his doctorate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2017 at The University of Adelaide in Australia. The overarching topic of his doctoral thesis was beamforming of terahertz radiation, with a particular focus on the use of efficient silicon microstructures to construct nonuniform metasurfaces. The quality of Dr Headland’s thesis, which was titled “Efficient Terahertz-Range Beam Control Using Flat Optics,” was recognized by his alma mater with distinguished awards such as the University Doctoral Research Medal and a Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence. He then shared the knowledge that he gained with his broader research community by publishing a comprehensive invited tutorial article on terahertz beamforming. Thereafter, Dr Headland obtained a competitive Australian Endeavour Research Fellowship to undertake abroad, at The University of Wuppertal in Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Ullrich Pfeiffer. His research activities primarily concerned the development of bespoke quasi-optics to enhance and extend the achievable functionality of advanced CMOS-based terahertz integrated system-on-a-chip devices. From 2018 to 2021, Dr Headland was a Specially Appointed Researcher at Osaka University under the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST) program of the Japan Science and Technology, under the guidance of Prof. Tadao Nagatsuma. It was there that he developed his present focus of substrateless all-intrinsic-silicon micro-scale integration platforms that leverage the principles of guided-wave photonics for efficient, compact, handheld terahertz integrated circuits and systems. This addresses a major lack of a dedicated platform that is specifically suited to the unique needs of terahertz waves, and so to encourage widespread adoption, Dr Headland has since shared his knowledge with the research community with another comprehensive invited tutorial article. At the conclusion of his time in Japan, Dr Headland’s distinguishment as an early career researcher was recognized with a competitive three-year CONEX-Plus research Fellowship under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions framework to undertake at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, in Spain, under the supervision of Prof. Guillermo Carpintero. The primary objective of this fellowship was the development of advanced terahertz lab-on-a-chip biosensing devices that adapt and leverage integrated quasi-optical techniques that Dr Headland originally pioneered in Osaka. Recently, Dr Headland has been awarded a Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA) fellowship, which is a competitive and prestigious Australian Research Council’s program for early career researchers. As of the end of 2024, he is undertaking this research award at his alma mater, The University of Adelaide. Speaker(s): Daniel, Room: G42, Bldg: Tonsley building , Theatre 1 (room G.42), Tonsley Campus, Flinders University , Tonsley, South Australia, Australia, 5042

IEEE Talk: Mastering Circularly Polarized Antenna Designs: Techniques, Innovations, and Applications

Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/468368

Abstract: This talk will provide an in-depth exploration of state-of-the-art compact and wideband circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antennas, with a focus on recent advancements in metasurface-based CP antenna technologies. The discussion will cover cutting-edge design methodologies, innovations, and the impact of these antennas across emerging wireless applications. By leveraging metasurfaces in the antenna architectures, significant improvements can be achieved in key performance metrics such as gain, axial ratio bandwidth, and miniaturization, all while preserving superior CP radiation characteristics. These next-generation antennas offer broad operational bandwidths, making them indispensable for advanced communication systems, satellite communications, and other high-performance wireless technologies. This talk aims to provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the latest techniques driving the future of CP antenna design and their crucial role in shaping next-gen wireless infrastructure. Speaker(s): Dr. Nasimuddin , Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/468368

2025 CAES x YP Talk: AI-Based Vision Systems for Orangutan Behaviour Detection and Welfare Assessment

Bldg: Plane Tree Centre, Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Join us for an insightful student-led talk on the use of AI-powered vision systems to analyse orangutan behaviour and assess their welfare. This event will showcase innovative interdisciplinary research projects that apply facial recognition and machine learning techniques to identify individual orangutans, interpret their emotional states, recognise their behaviours and enhance their care. It will also introduce the conceptual design of providing robot-based animal care without human involvement. The speakers will discuss their methodologies, challenges encountered, and the potential impact of AI-driven monitoring in zoo environments. Whether you're interested in AI, animal welfare, or interdisciplinary research, this session will provide a fascinating look at how technology can contribute to conservation and animal well-being. Speaker(s): Jasmin, Georgia, Isabella, Anwitha Agenda: 1:30 pm - light refreshment 2:00 pm - presentation 3:00 pm - zoo tour (subject to availability) Bldg: Plane Tree Centre, Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia