Selected projects

Devices, instruments, and the systems between them.

A working overview of research and engineering projects spanning ultrafast photonics, optical fibre, laser systems, precision motion, and machine vision.

Optical spectrum analyser displaying a fibre Bragg grating resonance

Optical fibre devices

Fibre Bragg Grating Inscription

This research explores direct ultrafast-laser inscription of periodic refractive-index structures in optical fibre. The work connects fabrication geometry and exposure conditions to the measured spectral response of the finished grating.

The experimental platform supports point-by-point, line-by-line, and related scanning strategies, making it possible to study how local modification, plane spacing, coupling strength, and alignment affect device performance.

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Independent photonics and microfabrication laboratory

Laboratory development

Building an Independent Laboratory

The laboratory brings ultrafast laser sources, precision motion, optics, electronics, vacuum equipment, and conventional machine tools into one working environment. Much of the capability was assembled through careful sourcing, restoration, and integration.

The aim is not simply to collect equipment. It is to create an adaptable research platform where optical experiments, custom electronics, fixtures, software, and mechanical components can be developed together.

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Four-axis laser micromachining platform at the Carleton Optical Innovation Laboratory

Research instrumentation

COIL Micromachining System

This four-axis fabrication system was developed during graduate research at Carleton University. It combines precision Aerotech motion hardware with microscope imaging, optical delivery, automated laser gating, and application-specific control software.

The platform is designed to position fibre and bulk samples with the repeatability required for laser inscription while remaining flexible enough to support new process geometries and experimental methods.

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Coherent Libra femtosecond amplifier in the independent laboratory

Laser systems

Coherent Libra Restoration

A used Coherent Libra femtosecond amplifier was acquired as a repair and commissioning project. Returning a complex ultrafast system to service requires subsystem-level diagnosis across the seed source, pump lasers, regenerative amplifier, cooling, controls, and beam delivery.

The project documents a practical path through fault isolation, optical alignment, electrical repair, safe operation, and performance verification for a research laser that would otherwise be difficult to access independently.

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Fused-silica wafer with laser-machined test patterns

Laser micromachining

Fused-Silica Wafer Machining

Initial machining trials in fused silica were used to commission the fabrication platform and evaluate how scan strategy, focus, pulse delivery, and sample positioning interact. The resulting test structures provide rapid visual and dimensional feedback on process stability.

These experiments also serve as a bridge between instrument commissioning and the more demanding task of writing controlled three-dimensional photonic structures inside transparent materials.

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Optical-fibre microscope and precision positioning hardware

Automation and metrology

Machine-Vision Fibre Alignment

Accurate laser inscription begins with locating the fibre core and maintaining its relationship to the focal volume. This project uses live microscope video and intensity-profile analysis to turn that alignment task into a measurable, repeatable operation.

The software is intended to reduce setup time, provide quantitative feedback, and support future closed-loop alignment for line-by-line and point-by-point grating fabrication.

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