Particle astrophysics with the Pierre Auger observatory. Australia's scientific reputation is enhanced through participation in international collaborations that aim to solve long-standing mysteries in science. The Pierre Auger Observatory covers a huge 3000 square km in western Argentina, where we are attempting to solve one of the biggest puzzles in modern astrophysics - the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays, particles 100 million times more energetic than we can produce on Earth. Ade ....Particle astrophysics with the Pierre Auger observatory. Australia's scientific reputation is enhanced through participation in international collaborations that aim to solve long-standing mysteries in science. The Pierre Auger Observatory covers a huge 3000 square km in western Argentina, where we are attempting to solve one of the biggest puzzles in modern astrophysics - the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays, particles 100 million times more energetic than we can produce on Earth. Adelaide scientists were founding members of the Auger project, and now have leading roles within the experiment. This is providing our students with access to world-class facilities and researchers in a field which has moved to the mainstream of astrophysics research.Read moreRead less
Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray and Neutrino Astronomy using Radio Telescopes. There will be an increase in Australian visibility in the high energy astrophysics community and stronger links between and within the fields of radio astronomy and high energy astrophysics in Australia, and internationally. This project will enhance Australian participation in the international Square Kilometre Array. By making observations using the Australia Telescope we may discover the first UHE neutrino - this wo ....Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray and Neutrino Astronomy using Radio Telescopes. There will be an increase in Australian visibility in the high energy astrophysics community and stronger links between and within the fields of radio astronomy and high energy astrophysics in Australia, and internationally. This project will enhance Australian participation in the international Square Kilometre Array. By making observations using the Australia Telescope we may discover the first UHE neutrino - this would have huge impact and prestige for Australia. The technology developed resulting from this project will contribute to Australia's IT base. Read moreRead less
LUNASKA, a theoretical and experimental project for UHE neutrino astrophysics using a giant radio observatory. There will be an increase in Australian visibility in the high energy astrophysics community and stronger links between and within the fields of radio astronomy and high energy astrophysics in Australia, and internationally. This project will enhance Australian participation in the international Square Kilometre Array. By making observations using the Australia Telescope we may discov ....LUNASKA, a theoretical and experimental project for UHE neutrino astrophysics using a giant radio observatory. There will be an increase in Australian visibility in the high energy astrophysics community and stronger links between and within the fields of radio astronomy and high energy astrophysics in Australia, and internationally. This project will enhance Australian participation in the international Square Kilometre Array. By making observations using the Australia Telescope we may discover the first UHE neutrino - this would have huge impact and prestige for Australia. The technology developed resulting from this project will contribute to Australia's IT base. Hosting an international workshop will benefit national prestige and economy. Read moreRead less
Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a no ....Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a novel method known as SAFE (Stable Aggregate of Flexible Elements) which is a compromise between geometrical and physical optics. Applying this model to micromachining and optical data storage (ODS), which need high beam quality (low divergence and good focussibility), enable accurate predictive capability critical to the optimisation of micromachining and ODS designs.Read moreRead less
Very high energy gamma-ray astronomy in Australia and the development of future gamma-ray detectors. Australia contributes to the burgeoning field of ground-based gamma-ray astronomy via its involvement in the CANGAROO-III project.
I will continue the development of CANGAROO-III and establish links with the other collaborations in this field, in particular H.E.S.S., also in the southern hemisphere. Studies with CANGAROO-III of high energy gamma-ray sources such as supernova remnants and active ....Very high energy gamma-ray astronomy in Australia and the development of future gamma-ray detectors. Australia contributes to the burgeoning field of ground-based gamma-ray astronomy via its involvement in the CANGAROO-III project.
I will continue the development of CANGAROO-III and establish links with the other collaborations in this field, in particular H.E.S.S., also in the southern hemisphere. Studies with CANGAROO-III of high energy gamma-ray sources such as supernova remnants and active galaxies will finally reveal the type of particles that are accelerated in such violent regions of our universe. The development of future ground-based gamma-ray detectors beyond CANGAROO-III is also a project aim, and will expand the energy coverage of gamma-ray detectors into uncharted territory.Read moreRead less
Discovering New Particle Physics with Dark Matter and Astrophysical Neutrinos. This project will place Australia at the forefront of pure basic research, and will forge connections with key international institutions. What is the Universe made of? How did it evolve? We address fundamental questions about our Universe, drawing on recent and forthcoming experimental data. We will contribute to Australia's skill base via the training of the best and brightest postgraduate students. These studen ....Discovering New Particle Physics with Dark Matter and Astrophysical Neutrinos. This project will place Australia at the forefront of pure basic research, and will forge connections with key international institutions. What is the Universe made of? How did it evolve? We address fundamental questions about our Universe, drawing on recent and forthcoming experimental data. We will contribute to Australia's skill base via the training of the best and brightest postgraduate students. These students will be equipped with the skills to act as original thinkers on general problems in the wider community. Fundamental questions about the nature of our Universe engage the intellectual curiosity of the general public and inspire the next generation of scientists.Read moreRead less
Energetic particle interactions in the universe: consequences for cosmic ray, gamma ray and neutrino astrophysics. The most energetic phenomena in the Universe will be explored with giant cosmic ray, neutrino and gamma ray telescopes. Particles accelerated or produced in astrophysical sources interact in their magnetic, matter and radiation environment, making cosmic rays, gamma rays and neutrinos. Subsequently, interactions in space as they travel to Earth change what we see. With theoretical w ....Energetic particle interactions in the universe: consequences for cosmic ray, gamma ray and neutrino astrophysics. The most energetic phenomena in the Universe will be explored with giant cosmic ray, neutrino and gamma ray telescopes. Particles accelerated or produced in astrophysical sources interact in their magnetic, matter and radiation environment, making cosmic rays, gamma rays and neutrinos. Subsequently, interactions in space as they travel to Earth change what we see. With theoretical work proposed in this project we aim to determine where in the Universe the highest energy cosmic rays originate, and the fundamental processes responsible for them. It will also lead to a greater understanding of how active galaxies and other astrophysical objects function.Read moreRead less
Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astro ....Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astrophysical sources. This project will involve sophisticated event reconstruction and analysis techniques, which take advantage of Auger's unique combination of huge collecting power and good control of systematic uncertainties.Read moreRead less
Neutral hydrogen and galaxy assembly in the distant Universe. This research will produce a snapshot of hydrogen gas in the Universe 6-7 billion years ago. These results, together with galaxy formation models, will tell us how galaxies are assembled to make the beautiful spirals we see today. This project is only possible because of rapid advances in programmable chip technology, part of the massive increase in the speed and complexity of integrated circuit devices.
Astrophysics with the CANGAROO III Gamma-ray Telescope. This project will explore the last remaining part of the electromagnetic spectrum previously inaccessible in astronomy. It covers two decades of photon energy, above those accessible to satellite telescopes, and below those accessible to previous generations of ground-based VHE gamma-ray telescopes. Observations in those other energy ranges give us confidence that there is much to be discovered. We will provide an Australian contribution ....Astrophysics with the CANGAROO III Gamma-ray Telescope. This project will explore the last remaining part of the electromagnetic spectrum previously inaccessible in astronomy. It covers two decades of photon energy, above those accessible to satellite telescopes, and below those accessible to previous generations of ground-based VHE gamma-ray telescopes. Observations in those other energy ranges give us confidence that there is much to be discovered. We will provide an Australian contribution to the CANGAROO III telescope project, supporting the multi-million dollar contribution of our Japanese partners. Based at Woomera, this work maintains Australian access to a key astrophysical field at very modest cost.Read moreRead less