Next-Generation Electronics & Photonic Systems encompasses research into the electronic and optical technologies that will drive future innovations in computing, communications and sensing. We are engineering devices at the frontier of what is possible – shrinking electronics to the nanoscale and harnessing light (photons) for information processing.
This theme includes quantum electronics and advanced semiconductors, where our electrical engineers develop components for quantum computing, secure communication and ultra-fast processors.
We also focus on flexible and wearable electronics, creating circuits and sensors on thin, bendable substrates to integrate technology seamlessly into clothing, medical wearables, or irregular surfaces. Another key area is photonic systems & communications – using light-based technologies like lasers, fiber optics and integrated photonic chips to achieve blazing-fast data transmission and novel sensor capabilities.
By pushing the limits of electronics and photonics, our research aims to revolutionise how we process and transmit information, ensuring Australia remains a leader in the high-tech economy. These advancements have broad impacts, from more powerful computers and quantum-secure networks to improved healthcare monitoring and telecommunications with almost limitless bandwidth.
Our research spans three strengths across multidisciplinary research
Our research aims to push the boundaries of electronic device performance by exploring quantum-scale phenomena and advanced semiconductor technologies. This includes developing components for quantum computing, ultra-sensitive sensors, and secure communication systems. By innovating in device physics and nanoscale fabrication, this theme supports our broader mission to create a digital, sustainable, and healthier future through transformative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
We are developing cutting-edge electronic devices that operate at the quantum scale or exploit quantum effects to dramatically enhance performance. This includes investigating new semiconductor materials and transistor architectures that surpass the limitations of conventional silicon. We are designing quantum bits (qubits), nanoelectronic circuits, and exploring novel phenomena such as spintronics and single-electron transistors to increase processing power and reduce energy consumption.
By integrating electrical engineering with quantum physics and nanotechnology, we are laying the foundation for the next generation of microchips and processors. These innovations promise real-world impact, such as enabling quantum-secure financial transactions, accelerating drug discovery through quantum simulations, and powering ultra-efficient consumer electronics.
This research aims to improve quantum-scale electronic devices with a focus on enhancing performance and energy efficiency beyond classical semiconductor limits, by developing novel materials, transistor designs, and quantum components like qubits and nanoelectronic circuits. This enables faster, more secure computing and sensing technologies, with real-world impacts such as accelerated data processing, quantum-secure communications, and ultra-sensitive sensors for healthcare and finance.
Our research aims to transform how electronics integrate into everyday life by developing devices that are flexible, stretchable, and wearable. This work supports our broader strategy to advance a digital and healthier future through interdisciplinary innovation, particularly by merging electrical and chemical engineering to create technologies that are both high-performing and adaptable. These innovations enable electronics to move beyond rigid silicon chips, opening new possibilities in healthcare, sports, fashion, and consumer technology.
We are developing electronic components and circuits on flexible substrates such as polymers, fabrics, and ultra-thin films. This includes wearable sensors for health monitoring, like smart patches and e-textiles that track vital signs, and flexible displays or solar cells that can be embedded in clothing or accessories. We combine electrical engineering with chemical engineering to create novel conductive inks and materials that maintain performance while bending or stretching.
This research aims to improve the design and functionality of electronic devices with a focus on making them flexible, wearable, and seamlessly integrated into daily life, by developing circuits on stretchable materials like polymers and fabrics using novel conductive inks. This enables electronics that maintain performance while bending or stretching, with real-world applications such as smart clothing that monitors health, rollable displays, and wearable solar panels for on-the-go energy.
Professor Wenlong Cheng, Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Li Wei
We are shaping the future of high-speed, energy-efficient communications through research in photonic systems. This theme supports our broader strategy to lead in technological innovation and address national priorities in digital infrastructure, defence, and healthcare.
We are creating advanced solutions in optical signal processing, integrated photonic circuits, and fibre-optic communications. Their work enables faster data transmission, enhanced radar systems, and non-invasive biomedical imaging. Innovations include terahertz photonic crystals, optically-controlled phased arrays, and novel biosensing platforms.
We have a state-of-the-art photonics teaching lab, giving students and researchers access to industry-grade tools. These efforts ensure that new technologies are not only developed but also embedded into real-world systems, driving progress in autonomous vehicles, quantum networks, and smart sensing.
This research aims to improve high-speed, energy-efficient communication systems with a focus on optical signal processing and integrated photonic circuits, by developing advanced photonic technologies such as terahertz crystals, fibre-optic systems, and biosensing platforms. This enables faster internet, more accurate radar, and non-invasive medical imaging, with everyday impacts like better streaming quality, safer autonomous vehicles, and improved healthcare diagnostics.
Professor Xiaoke Yi, Professor Luping Zhou
