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For more information or to order a photonics minilab email andrew.papworth@anu.edu.au


The photonics minilab includes a number of specialist optical components sourced from around the world. These products have been carefully selected for experimental quality and value for money. All the components are designed to be versatile and simple to use, and within minutes of opening the box a wide range of insightful experiments can be performed.




One of the key features that sets our minilabs apart is the universal optical mount. These mounts are magnetised to allow a robust and easily manipulated set-up. Any of the lenses, mirror, LED's or photodiode can be placed in the mount and the height of each component is set precisely so that no adjusment is necessary. Students can therefore begin to learn immediately without becoming frustrated by awkward and clumsy set-up arrangements.

We aim to eliminate all of the clutter and difficulty often associated with physics by providing hassle free learning environments that will provide teachers with the tools to reach their students in an interesting and exciting new way.




Teachers are often reluctant to use lasers in the classroom due to safety reasons. However the unique properties of lasers allow us to perform beautifully simple experiments. With this in mind we have included a laser array that is enclosed on all sides by the bench. The laser sits on a specially designed fixed mount inside the optical bench. It cannot be pointed out of the bench and will not work if removed. Furthermore we use 1mW class two lasers which are less powerful than most laser pointers, yet bright enough to perform an assortment of experiments from ray tracing to building interferometers.