US-based advanced materials company ASP Isotopes, which has a secondary listing on the JSE, has established a Photonics Chair at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for a period of three years.

ASP Isotopes’ donation and involvement at Wits is expected to strengthen South Africa’s photonics research capabilities, including by supporting the work of the Structured Light Laboratory, in Wits’ School of Physics.

Photonics is the science of generating and manipulating light, which aids multiple sectors of society, including through improved medical diagnostics using advanced imaging and ultrafast fibreoptics used for communication networks during laser-based treatments.

ASP Isotopes sees growing demand for isotopes such as Silicon-28, which is used for quantum computing, and other isotopes for emerging healthcare and green energy applications.

The Structured Light Laboratory at Wits has been pioneering research in controlling and shaping light for applications ranging from imaging and sensing to communications and quantum technologies.

Dr Angela Dudley, who has been named as the inaugural incumbent of the Photonics Chair, will also oversee the pipeline of new students and candidates for ASP Isotopes.

She will lead research that translates fundamental research in photonics into real-world applications.

She is internationally recognised for her work in structured light, and brings to the position a distinguished record of research excellence, mentorship and global collaboration.

ASP Isotopes co-founder and COO Robert Ainscow says the company’s quantum enrichment programme is expanding rapidly from laboratory demonstrations to production plants, which requires both thought leaders who outline the future of the core technology and a skilled workforce.

“We believe this new Chair will do exactly this: support fundamental research that is forward-looking, as well as produce excellently trained young talent,” he adds.

Wits Faculty of Science Dean Professor Nithaya Chetty says Wits is making significant strides in photonics and its applications and the new Chair will undoubtedly advance Wits’ research in this area.

“We are proud to host the inaugural Photonics Chair at Wits and look forward to seeing the impact of this partnership in society,” he notes.

Dudley comments that ASP Isotopes’ commitment to advancing science provides the resources and partnerships needed to translate advanced photonics concepts into technologies that can benefit South Africa and the world.

“I am grateful for their generosity and excited to support their work as we build a vibrant research programme and train the next generation of photonics innovators,” she concludes.