Study with TMOS

TMOS is about to develop the next generation of miniaturised optical systems with applications beyond current imagination. Meta-optics has the potential to revolutionise a vast array of industries, with the same disruptive power as the transistor.

Together, we will overcome complex challenges in light generation, manipulation, and detection at the nanoscale. Our research will evolve into technologies such as moving holograms, artificial vision that can see the invisible, wearable medical devices, and ultra-fast light-based Wi-Fi.

We are a trans-disciplinary team of world leaders in science, technology and engineering, and through our commitment to developing our team, we will prepare outstanding innovators from diverse backgrounds to be future leaders for decades to come.

Chief Investigators

Dragomir Neshev, ANU

- TMOS Centre Director
- Optical Society Fellow

Kenneth Crozier, UoM

- Supervisor to students and ECRs who have gone on to faculty appointments, industry positions, and fellowships in leading groups (including Nobel Prize winners)
- Deputy Director of ARC TMOS CoE; recipient of Innovation Fellowship (VESKI, 2014), ARC Future Fellowship (2014), and CAREER Award (National Science Foundation USA, 2008)
- Prior to joining UoM, was John Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences at Harvard University

Andrey Sukhorukov, ANU

- Our group is among the pioneers of quantum photonics with metasurfaces
- We combine cutting-edge theoretical research in nanophotonics with advanced experiments
- Our alumni get skills suited for careers in academia, industry, or government

Ann Roberts, UoM

- Strong track record of research student supervision with over 25 completions; graduates have gone on to rewarding careers in academic research and leadership roles in industry
- Recipient of the 2021 AIP Alan Walsh Medal and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics, Optica and SPIE
- Extensive theoretical and experimental experience at the interface between imaging, nanoscience, and optical physics

Chennupati Jagadish, ANU

- Companion of Order of Australia, AC
- President of the Australian Academy of Science
- Editor-in-Chief of Applied Physics Reviews
- Fellows of 26 learned Academies and Professional Societies
- Over 40 honours, awards and recognitions by professional organisations/societies
- Over 680 publications in refereed journals, 12 book chapters, edited 15 books
- h-index 78, >30,000 citations from Google Scholar
- Seven US and three Australian patents
- Supervised over 50 PhD students

Francesca Iacopi, UTS

- 20+ years of industrial and academic R&D experience in semiconductors
- Industrial research is recognized for the contribution towards current microchips’ nanointerconnects using low-k dielectrics 
- Recipient of a Global Innovation Award in 2014 thanks to her invention of a graphene on SiC/silicon platform which can now be used in areas from biosensing to metaoptics

Hark Hoe Tan

- Fellow of IEEE
- Distinguished Lecturer - IEEE Photonics Society and IEEE Nanotechnology Council
- “Australia’s leading researcher in nanotechnology” - The Australian’s Research 2020 magazine
- Over 525 publications in refereed journals and nine book chapters
- h-index 63, >18,000 citations from Google Scholar
- Six US and two Australian patents
- Supervised over 35 PhD students

Igor Aharonovich, UTS

- Leading an international team from over 10 countries
- Covering emerging topics of quantum technology, nanophotonics, and nanofabrication
- Promoting international collaborations including long term overseas stays for both PhDs and ECRs

Ilya Shadrivov, ANU

Lan Fu, ANU

Lorenzo Faraone, UWA

- Strong links to Australian and international defence primes 
- Fellow of IEEE, Australian Academy of Science, and Australian Academy of Technical Science and Engineering, as well as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) 
- 2008 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security
- Strong record of industry research funding with over 35 postgraduate student completions

Madhu Bhaskaran, RMIT

- Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering’s Batterham Medal and the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education

Mariusz Martyniuk, UWA

- Strong links to Australian and international defence and aerospace industries 
- Strong links with nanofabrication networks worldwide
- 15 patents and patent application with six fully granted and licenced to industry
- Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts (2019-2021)

Milos Toth. UTS

- Track record of excellence in both academia and high-tech industry
- Research that bridges basic science and technology development
- Expertise in intellectual property development; research projects consistently generate both top-tier publications and IP protected by patents

Sharath Sriram, RMIT

Want to study with us?

Available Research Projects

Australian National University

RMIT

University of Melbourne

University Technology Sydney

University of Western Australia

It’s an amazing feeling when you engineer new devices with light manipulation capabilities that are not commonly found in nature.

Wendy Lee, University of Melbourne

Who should apply?

We’re searching for students who want to make a difference with their research. If you think you fit the following, express your interest in studying with us.

• Motivated, curious, and self-driven
• Honours or Masters in physics or engineering
• Ability to live and study in Australia

Why do a PhD with TMOS?

By joining an ARC Centre of Excellence, you get to study with a world-leading supervisor at a prestigious university with the additional benefit of cross-institution collaboration, giving you the opportunity to work with the best researchers of meta-optics across Australia and internationally.

A PhD project with TMOS offers:

• cross institution supervision
• domestic and international exchange programs
• industry internships
• professional development opportunities
• top up scholarships
• opportunities to network with senior researchers in the field
• opportunities to participate in our outreach program

Being part of the TMOS Outreach committee has allowed me to share our new science with the next generation.

Lesley Spencer, University of Technology Sydney

Our facilities

TMOS researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities across the country. Our Capabilities and Facilities Register enables our team to work collaboratively by travelling to other universities to get the results they need to move forward.

There are five primary participating universities with relevant laboratories at each:

• Australian National University
• RMIT
• University of Melbourne
• University of Technology Sydney
• University of Western Australia

TMOS has given me opportunities to explore new and innovative ideas on optical sensing with metasurfaces. I enjoy the research facilities and cross-node expertise.

Shridhar Manjunath, Australian National University

Studying in Australia

Australia is an attractive destination for PhD students because it offers a dynamic culture that balances work life and social life. It is a multicultural society with buzzing cities, relaxed atmospheres, and plenty of places to explore.

Doing a PhD in Australia takes significantly less time than it does in other countries (typically four years) and work opportunities are plentiful. With a student visa, Australia is an easy place to emigrate to.

Successful students will be supported by their university as they make the overseas transition.

Submit your expression of interest