Physics
Atomic and Optical Physics
The Physics Dept of the University of Otago has a number of groups active in Atomic and Optical Physics that arnold.co.nz is working with. This includes two recently completed smaller research programmes: Highly efficient solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion based on innovative nanophotonic platform (Prof. Richard Blaikie) and Space-ready radiometers for climate monitoring: using light to detect thermal radiation (Prof. Harald Schwefel).
Harald Schwefel's programme successfully demonstrated the radiometer. arnold.co.nz assisted with the development of a subsequent larger programme to deploy this on a CubeSat and to use its measurements to improve the quality of climate modeling based on the impact of ozone on atmospheric dynamics. This was successful in getting funding and we are assisting with the ongoing programme.
We also worked on quantum memories for quantum communications (Assoc. Prof. Jevon Longdell). These rare earth ion memories can preserve quantum states for time frames up to an hour without degrading. They not only have application in QKD and quantum repeaters, but also potentially as short-term memory of quantum states in quantum computers.
ENFOL Ltd
arnold.co.nz has been working with Prof. Richard Blaikie and Dr Sam Lowrey on the prospects of using evanescent near field optical lithography (ENFOL) to develop instruments capable of manufacturing short-runs of low cost non-planner meta surfaces with features in the 60-200nm range, simplifying their development and production. This is being developed through ENFOL Ltd
The ENFOL process has traditionally suffered from a number of weaknesses that have stood in the way of developing a practical instruments based upon it. ENFOL Ltd can see ways to overcome these problems and will undertake the necessary risk reduction to demonstrate this, and then take the resultant instrument/process to market.
Heat and Light Ltd is a significant minority shareholder in ENFOL Ltd, and Simon Arnold is a director.
Quantum Technologies
As well as Jevon Longdell's work on quantum memories, ENFOL's and Harald Schwefel's work also have a quantum technology dimension. ENFOL's instrument is targeting prototyping and short runs of the photonic and superconducting components needed for quantum devices, and Harald Schwefel's transducer can preserve the quantum state of photons while changing their frequency, allowing the states to be transferred between components that operate at different frequencies (e.g. superconducting QPUs and telco fibre).
Based on this overall experience with quantum technologies we have developed a view on New Zealand's priorities for investment in quantum technologies that we have provided to NZ's Institute for Advanced Technologies as part of their RfI in this area. Our paper is available on request.
Superhydrophobic surfaces and micro compressors
Sam Lowrey also has a current research programme underway developing superhydrophobic coating-free surfaces with applications from wind turbines to heat exchanges. We are assisting with these developments, and have established Heat and Light Ltd with Sam, Gerry Carrington and Otago University to commercialize thermodynamic technologies, including thess developments.
High Temperature Superconductors
In 1998 scientists at the then Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in New Zealand discovered the first High Temperature Superconductor able to be turned into a long length conductor. Products based upon them started to emerge a decade later and New Zealand was active in the then small global industry.
For around 15 years arnold.co.nz worked with the developing industry producing two roadmaps for it, being involved in the establishment of HTS-110, and the commercialisation of a novel cryocooler particularly designed for HTS applications, and HTS Roebel cable technologies. For a period Simon Arnold was CE of the NZ High Temperature Superconductor Industry Association.
The research on high temperature superconductors continues today through Robinson Research at Victoria University of Wellington.
Solar Tsunamis
The original Solar Tsunamis research programme led by Prof. Craig Rodger at the Physics Dept of the University of Otago, sought to understand how New Zealand’s energy infrastructure will be impacted by an extreme space weather event and what can be done to mitigate the effects.
arnold.co.nz assisted with the development of the programme proposal and was contracted to assist in achieving the key outcomes. This first five year programme has been completed and has been successfully extended for a further five years.