Dr Argyros' thesis, titled "Bragg Reflection and Bandgaps in Microstructured Optical Fibres", concerns the fabrication, characterization, applications and understanding of microstructured optical fibres in which light is controlled by means of Bragg reflection or photonic band gaps. The investigation consists of an extensive array of both original experimental work and thorough theoretical studies and numerical simulations. This work led to a new conceptual understanding of a "single mode" fibre and in particular resulted in the manufacture of the first hollow-core microstructure polymer fibre, which has the potential of reducing losses in polymer fibres and thus allowing them to be used more widely. Together with these and other results the thesis provides a substantial contribution to the world's scientific knowledge in the area of microstructured optical fibres.

These achievements have been recognized as significant and influential with 18 publications in refereed international journals and 21 conference papers. Dr Argyros' thesis has also generated 5 patents and one provisional patent, and various other awards and prizes. Although most of the work was done collaboratively, it is clear that Dr Argyros has played a leading role in the majority of the work.

The panel unanimously decided to recommend Dr Alex Argyros for the AIP Bragg Medal for 2006. (The recommendation of the 2006 Bragg Medal on an investigation of Bragg reflection is a coincidence but it should also remind us once again of the legacy of our Australian physicists.)