Molecules as probes of the interstellar medium. It is one of the greatest challenges in Nature is to remotely identify what is in space. Interstellar molecules are identified by their spectra, but many features in these spectra are unknown, implying that there are many more molecules in space than we know about. With a stronger understanding of space chemistry, we could predict what should be there and verify it in the lab. Conversely, identification of these features will provide the tools to u ....Molecules as probes of the interstellar medium. It is one of the greatest challenges in Nature is to remotely identify what is in space. Interstellar molecules are identified by their spectra, but many features in these spectra are unknown, implying that there are many more molecules in space than we know about. With a stronger understanding of space chemistry, we could predict what should be there and verify it in the lab. Conversely, identification of these features will provide the tools to understand interstellar chemistry. In this project we combine skills in spectroscopy and astronomy to make these molecules in the laboratory, measure their spectra and thereby identify unknown molecules in space.Read moreRead less
The First Deep Infrared Study of the Nearby Galaxy Population. We will conduct two major near-infrared (IR) surveys: The Southern Galactic Cap near-IR survey, and the Local Sphere of Influence survey. These surveys will capitalise on the innovative and award winning Australian IRIS2 facility. The two surveys push the observational frontier by orders of magnitude. They will be used to explore the close connection between the near-IR global properties of a galaxy and its underlying physics and pro ....The First Deep Infrared Study of the Nearby Galaxy Population. We will conduct two major near-infrared (IR) surveys: The Southern Galactic Cap near-IR survey, and the Local Sphere of Influence survey. These surveys will capitalise on the innovative and award winning Australian IRIS2 facility. The two surveys push the observational frontier by orders of magnitude. They will be used to explore the close connection between the near-IR global properties of a galaxy and its underlying physics and provide a generic local reference for the upcoming next generation infrared space-telescope missions.
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Realistic models of permeation in ion channels. Ion channels are formed by proteins in cell membranes and provide pathways for fast and controlled flow of selected ions. This activity generates action potentials in nerves and muscles that forms the basis of all movement, sensation and thought processes. Recent determination of the crystal structure of channel proteins has enabled construction of models that can relate channel function to its structure--necessary for understanding their operati ....Realistic models of permeation in ion channels. Ion channels are formed by proteins in cell membranes and provide pathways for fast and controlled flow of selected ions. This activity generates action potentials in nerves and muscles that forms the basis of all movement, sensation and thought processes. Recent determination of the crystal structure of channel proteins has enabled construction of models that can relate channel function to its structure--necessary for understanding their operation and seeking cures for diseases caused by their malfunction. This project aims to develop accurate ion-protein-water interactions for permeation models based on stochastic and molecular dynamics simulations using both classical and quantum mechanical methods.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561136
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,352.00
Summary
36-megapixel CCD camera for wide-field astronomy. This project aims to design and build a state-of-the-art 36-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD) camera for wide-field imaging on a robotic telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. The camera will employ a mosaic of two 18-megapixel CCDs, which are amongst the largest ever fabricated. This new facility will have an unprecedented ability to obtain precision photometry over a wide field, and will enable breakthroughs in research into areas as diver ....36-megapixel CCD camera for wide-field astronomy. This project aims to design and build a state-of-the-art 36-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD) camera for wide-field imaging on a robotic telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. The camera will employ a mosaic of two 18-megapixel CCDs, which are amongst the largest ever fabricated. This new facility will have an unprecedented ability to obtain precision photometry over a wide field, and will enable breakthroughs in research into areas as diverse as detection of extra-solar planets and nearby supernovae. The camera will also lead to collaborative research with ANU's newly-funded Skymapper telescope, as well as the Anglo-Australian Observatory's 6dF and 2dF instruments.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453608
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,230.00
Summary
Multifunctional confocal laser scanning microscope with time resolved and two photon imaging and fluorescence correlation capabilities. We seek to establish an Australian first confocal laser scanning microscope with time resolved imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy capabilities. Its advantages include ultrasensitive detection of weak fluorescent emissions against high autofluorescent background by using fluorescence lifetime signatures, with over three orders of magnitude discrimi ....Multifunctional confocal laser scanning microscope with time resolved and two photon imaging and fluorescence correlation capabilities. We seek to establish an Australian first confocal laser scanning microscope with time resolved imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy capabilities. Its advantages include ultrasensitive detection of weak fluorescent emissions against high autofluorescent background by using fluorescence lifetime signatures, with over three orders of magnitude discrimination improvement. The system will also be able to monitor binding of single molecules. These techniques will open new and exciting avenues for interdisciplinary research at the frontier between biological and physical sciences. The microscope will operate within an existing multi-user Optical Characterisation Facility supporting research of an established network of scientists in the Sydney area.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100064
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
A facility for sensitive and precise isotopic dating of the earth's and extraterrestrial rocks. SPIDE2R will be a new generation mass spectrometer for very precise and sensitive dating and forensics applications in earth and planetary sciences, hydrology, climate studies, and nuclear and archaeological fingerprinting. The unprecedented sensitivity of this unique instrument will provide enhanced capabilities for solving long-standing problems requiring precise geological time resolution, as well ....A facility for sensitive and precise isotopic dating of the earth's and extraterrestrial rocks. SPIDE2R will be a new generation mass spectrometer for very precise and sensitive dating and forensics applications in earth and planetary sciences, hydrology, climate studies, and nuclear and archaeological fingerprinting. The unprecedented sensitivity of this unique instrument will provide enhanced capabilities for solving long-standing problems requiring precise geological time resolution, as well as opening new areas of research. It will be the instrument of choice for analysing small, rare samples such as those returned by space missions. The Australian-built high sensitivity source and ion detection systems can be retrofitted onto other mass spectrometers, opening a new area of commercialisation.Read moreRead less
Modular Index Theory. This project capitilises on Australian advances in mathematics, particularly noncommutative geometry. It will maintain and extend Australia's prominence in this subject, providing excellent opportunities for young researchers via the research networks this project will establish. Being at the interface of ideas in mathematics and physics, there is potential for future technological spin offs for Australia.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561104
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,128.00
Summary
A 10 Gbit/s Fibre Optic link to the Mt Pleasant and Mt Canopus Observatories. A 10 gigabit per second fibre optic link to the Mt Pleasant and Mt Canopus observatories will enable a wide range of new and exciting research opportunities. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) allows imaging of distant astronomical objects with much higher resolution than any other technique. The proposed fibre optic link will revolutionise Australia's VLBI capability, giving it the world's most sensitive array, ....A 10 Gbit/s Fibre Optic link to the Mt Pleasant and Mt Canopus Observatories. A 10 gigabit per second fibre optic link to the Mt Pleasant and Mt Canopus observatories will enable a wide range of new and exciting research opportunities. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) allows imaging of distant astronomical objects with much higher resolution than any other technique. The proposed fibre optic link will revolutionise Australia's VLBI capability, giving it the world's most sensitive array, with enhanced reliability and faster access to results for researchers. This project will greatly facilitate studies of astrophysical processes in Galactic and extra-galactic environments as well as precision measurements of the Earth's crustal dynamics.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882778
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,224.00
Summary
Water vapour radiometers for millimetre-wave phase correction for the Australia Telescope. Australia has a tradition of excellence in astronomy. Inspired by wonder about the cosmos, it stimulates public interest in science, so leading to the training of highly skilled graduates. In turn, this drives the development of technologies needed to pursue the science. The nation has invested in the technology for millimetre-wave astronomy, building the first interferometer in our hemisphere. This equipm ....Water vapour radiometers for millimetre-wave phase correction for the Australia Telescope. Australia has a tradition of excellence in astronomy. Inspired by wonder about the cosmos, it stimulates public interest in science, so leading to the training of highly skilled graduates. In turn, this drives the development of technologies needed to pursue the science. The nation has invested in the technology for millimetre-wave astronomy, building the first interferometer in our hemisphere. This equipment will capitalise on this investment, extending the capabilities of the Australia Telescope to maintain it as a front line instrument, attracting the best scientists here to use it. This will help nurture a vigorous radio-science community, one able to actively participate in the billion-dollar investment being made internationally in the field.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347797
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,000.00
Summary
A Versatile High-resolution X-ray Diffractometer for Materials Research. The aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art triple-axis x-ray diffraction facility capable of non-destructively analysing complex semiconductor materials and structures investigated by all Australian semiconductor-growing groups. Growers and device engineers will be able to control growth processes accurately and correlate device performance with structural analysis. Modern triple-axis instruments can also b ....A Versatile High-resolution X-ray Diffractometer for Materials Research. The aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art triple-axis x-ray diffraction facility capable of non-destructively analysing complex semiconductor materials and structures investigated by all Australian semiconductor-growing groups. Growers and device engineers will be able to control growth processes accurately and correlate device performance with structural analysis. Modern triple-axis instruments can also be used for high-resolution texture analysis and surface reflectivity measurements on numerous types of materials. Thus chemists, geologists, and materials scientists with interests outside of the semiconductor growth community will gain substantial benefit from this instrument for the investigation of materials of technological and economic importance.Read moreRead less