A group of Australian and German researchers is set to start working on developing thinner and lighter smartphones that could also project holograms.

July 12, 2021

Smartphones could one day project 3D holograms, making science fiction movies such as Star Wars a reality.

A group of Australian researchers is working to develop imaging technology that could also make the devices thinner and lighter.

They’re part of an Australian National University PhD research cohort heading to Germany to join a team at Friedrich Schiller University.

The universities are leading research into the optics, photonics and meta-optics fields, with 39 PhD candidates set to join forces.

“This collaboration cements our strategic partnership with Germany in the rapidly growing area of modern optics,” ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Keith Nugent said.

Holography is a photographic technique that records light and presents it in a way that appears three-dimensional to the viewer.

There are various types of holograms, including transmission holograms, which allow light to be shone through them, and rainbow holograms, which are often used for security purposes on credit cards.

FSU physicist Isabelle Staude says close collaboration between scientists has often yielded incredible achievements.

“We’re confident that continuing this tradition is going to lead to some remarkable breakthroughs in the field of nanophotonics,” she said.

The program is scheduled to start early next year if international borders reopen, and run until 2026, with German students also visiting ANU.

The joint international research training group is funded by the German Research Foundation, with additional support from ANU.

Doctoral candidates will receive financial support to study in person at both universities and may receive a dual PhD degree.