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Dutch student shines light on new research

April 13, 2005

mboerkamp thumb.jpgA visiting Dutch student has just completed a research project at the University of New England investigating the use of inexpensive, and robust, plastic optical fibres in chemical sensing applications.
Martijn Boerkamp, 24, presented his research at a video-conference, connecting his supervisor at UNE with family, his examiner and tutor at Hanze University for Professional Education in Groningen The Netherlands.
The video-conference was the culmination of five months work at UNE. As well as presenting Mr Boerkamp’s findings to his Dutch and Australian supervisors, the video-conference also allowed the countries to compare how chemistry is taught in universities here and overseas.
Dr Peter Lye, who supervised Mr Boerkamp (pictured) during his time at UNE, said the research has expanded our understanding as to how exposed plastic optical fibres are able to interact with coloured compounds in a solution.

The project has focused on the use of plastic optical fibres as chemical sensing probes.
“The application of plastic fibres outside that of novelty products such as lamps and Christmas trees are uncommon,” Dr Lye said.
“Glass fibres are used more extensively, particularly in communications, however when the protective cladding material is removed they are extremely brittle.”
He said Mr Boerkamp’s work has shown that plastic optical fibres can be used as a chemical probe and that applications such as an on-the-go red wine grape colour sensor could be realised.
Mr Boerkamp said he decided to carry out his fourth-year project at UNE because he was interested in the multidisciplinary nature and the applied focus of the research being conducted within Chemistry and Physics.
“I have had a great time since arriving here and think very highly of the university and the New England region,” Mr Boerkamp said.
This project completes his undergraduate studies and thus on his return to The Netherlands, later this year, he will graduate with a Diploma in Chemistry.
Research into optical fibre sensors at UNE is ongoing within the Photonics group of which Dr Lye is a member.
For more information phone Dr Lye on 6773 3018 or
Lydia Roberts on 6773 2779.

Posted by Lydia Roberts at April 13, 2005 11:24 AM