Micro-electromechanical technology for harnessing terahertz waves. This project proposes novel low-cost miniature devices for spectral, spatial and temporal manipulation of terahertz waves realised using a unified platform based on a single material and fabrication technology sufficiently generic to span the entire very broad terahertz band. It inherently overcomes the most hindering issue of current terahertz instruments relating to the limited span of the spectrum each tool can cover and the h ....Micro-electromechanical technology for harnessing terahertz waves. This project proposes novel low-cost miniature devices for spectral, spatial and temporal manipulation of terahertz waves realised using a unified platform based on a single material and fabrication technology sufficiently generic to span the entire very broad terahertz band. It inherently overcomes the most hindering issue of current terahertz instruments relating to the limited span of the spectrum each tool can cover and the high costs associated with increasing this span; removing the need for making spectral band compromises in the design of future tools. The intended outcome is a platform for terahertz spectroscopic imaging, target recognition, detection of chemical composition of objects, and future high-bandwidth communications.Read moreRead less
Engineering nanomembranes for Long-term Implanted Flexible Electronics. This project aims to investigate the key technologies of inorganic semiconductor nanomembranes for long-lived bio-integrated electronics. Taking advantage of the well-established silicon carbide (SiC) synthesis and fabrication technology, the project expects to elucidate a new understanding of the SiC-on-polymer platform, establishing a foundational guideline for the development of chemically inert and mechanically flexible ....Engineering nanomembranes for Long-term Implanted Flexible Electronics. This project aims to investigate the key technologies of inorganic semiconductor nanomembranes for long-lived bio-integrated electronics. Taking advantage of the well-established silicon carbide (SiC) synthesis and fabrication technology, the project expects to elucidate a new understanding of the SiC-on-polymer platform, establishing a foundational guideline for the development of chemically inert and mechanically flexible devices. These findings will offer innovative solutions for daunting challenges in bio-integrated electronics, leveraging their safety, reliability, and long-term performance. The project expects to offer Australia cutting edge technologies and an impact profile in the fast-growing flexible bio-electronics market.Read moreRead less
A New Nano Tip Fabrication Technique for Atomic Force Microscopy. This project aims to develop a new fabrication technique for high-aspect-ratio (long and sharp) tips for atomic force microscopy. The technique is expected to overcome the current fabrication limitation, that is fabricating one tip at a time which is unsuitable for batch fabrication. The proposed technique can be scaled up to mass produce nano tips. The technique is expected to create new commercial products and intellectual prope ....A New Nano Tip Fabrication Technique for Atomic Force Microscopy. This project aims to develop a new fabrication technique for high-aspect-ratio (long and sharp) tips for atomic force microscopy. The technique is expected to overcome the current fabrication limitation, that is fabricating one tip at a time which is unsuitable for batch fabrication. The proposed technique can be scaled up to mass produce nano tips. The technique is expected to create new commercial products and intellectual property. This innovation will lead to the emergence of breakthrough technologies in nanofabrication and nanomaterials synthesis. The benefits to Australia include new job opportunities and the development of local expertise in the field.Read moreRead less
Liquid metal composite tactile sensor. Tactile sensing electronic skin is a key enabling technology for smart robotic grippers and neuroprosthetics. However, traditional electronic skin is still underdeveloped in sensing of slip and force direction. Therefore, this project aims to imitate human skin structure to develop a highly sensitive liquid metal-enabled electronic skin that can achieve high-performance multiple tactile sensation capabilities, including normal-tangential force decoupling a ....Liquid metal composite tactile sensor. Tactile sensing electronic skin is a key enabling technology for smart robotic grippers and neuroprosthetics. However, traditional electronic skin is still underdeveloped in sensing of slip and force direction. Therefore, this project aims to imitate human skin structure to develop a highly sensitive liquid metal-enabled electronic skin that can achieve high-performance multiple tactile sensation capabilities, including normal-tangential force decoupling and slip detection. The expected outcome will enable future manipulator and prosthetics to detect complex forces for precision manipulation, which will provide benefits to advanced manufacturing and bring significant economic and social benefits.Read moreRead less
Electro-triggered solidification of supercooled fusible alloys. Stiffness is typically considered a static property of a material. Traditionally, once the stiffness is specified, it is not expected to change during operation. This project aims to turn a problem (i.e., supercooling) into an opportunity for creating fusible alloy composites with electroprogrammable stiffness that can outperform state-of-the-art materials by offering all desirable properties. Expected outcomes are the rapid, contin ....Electro-triggered solidification of supercooled fusible alloys. Stiffness is typically considered a static property of a material. Traditionally, once the stiffness is specified, it is not expected to change during operation. This project aims to turn a problem (i.e., supercooling) into an opportunity for creating fusible alloy composites with electroprogrammable stiffness that can outperform state-of-the-art materials by offering all desirable properties. Expected outcomes are the rapid, continuous, large, and reversible change in stiffness of the composite through electrical control. This project will provide significant benefits by enabling an increasing number of emerging applications in areas such as robotics, manufacturing, and consumer wearables that require materials with tuneable stiffness.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100408
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,411.00
Summary
Advancing bioelectronics with silicon carbide on microfluidics. Flexible bioelectronics is an emerging technology for real-time monitoring of vital signals on skin and in the body. Microfluidics is a technology for fluid handling in microscale. This project aims to develop the first platform technology with both flexible bioelectronics and microfluidics for enhanced sensing, thermal management and actuation. The project is expected to establish new fundamental knowledge in sensitivity boosting m ....Advancing bioelectronics with silicon carbide on microfluidics. Flexible bioelectronics is an emerging technology for real-time monitoring of vital signals on skin and in the body. Microfluidics is a technology for fluid handling in microscale. This project aims to develop the first platform technology with both flexible bioelectronics and microfluidics for enhanced sensing, thermal management and actuation. The project is expected to establish new fundamental knowledge in sensitivity boosting mechanisms with nano-thin semiconducting films, practical prototypes for long-lasting bioelectronics with integrated microfluidics and their large-scale manufacturing processes. Outcomes include step changes in designing innovative wearable and implantable devices and their massive commercialisation opportunities.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100507
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,471.00
Summary
Integrated active microcantilevers for high-throughput nanometrology. This project aims to develop a new versatile, high-performance microsensor platform and microscopy method for measuring nano-scale structures. The proposed microscopy tool is expected to significantly increase imaging speed and miniaturize system footprint, thereby enabling high-throughput quality control of semiconductor devices. The expected outcome is a highly-scalable and low-cost imaging system that will close the technol ....Integrated active microcantilevers for high-throughput nanometrology. This project aims to develop a new versatile, high-performance microsensor platform and microscopy method for measuring nano-scale structures. The proposed microscopy tool is expected to significantly increase imaging speed and miniaturize system footprint, thereby enabling high-throughput quality control of semiconductor devices. The expected outcome is a highly-scalable and low-cost imaging system that will close the technology gap between fabrication and inspection at the nanoscale. The benefits to Australia should include the potential for commercialization to develop this next-generation microscopy tool in high-value market sectors.Read moreRead less
A miniaturised laser manipulator for ultra-precise and pain-free dentistry. This project aims to develop a miniaturized high-precision laser robotic device that can fit comfortably in the mouth to perform pain-free, vibration-free dental operations by utilising silicon-carbide on silicon technology to create a millimetre-sized two-axis controllable, highly-reflective mirror robust to high-power ultra-short laser pulses. This project expects to generate new knowledge in micro-mirror control using ....A miniaturised laser manipulator for ultra-precise and pain-free dentistry. This project aims to develop a miniaturized high-precision laser robotic device that can fit comfortably in the mouth to perform pain-free, vibration-free dental operations by utilising silicon-carbide on silicon technology to create a millimetre-sized two-axis controllable, highly-reflective mirror robust to high-power ultra-short laser pulses. This project expects to generate new knowledge in micro-mirror control using optically excited piezo-resistive sensors, and cold femtosecond laser ablation of hard dental tissue. Expected outcomes include a working prototype for laser removal of tooth materials at speeds exceeding dental drills, providing benefits in miniaturized laser devices and ultimately removing pain from dental procedures. Read moreRead less
Advanced geotechnical sensing and early warning system for smart highway. This project aims to develop an advanced sensing system with interactive analytical road health monitoring for smart highways. The project expects to provide potential savings of millions of dollars and improved road quality through targeted, optimised, value-for-money highway maintenance, identified by deployment of cost-effective, energy-efficient miniaturised electromechanical sensors. The expected outcome of this proje ....Advanced geotechnical sensing and early warning system for smart highway. This project aims to develop an advanced sensing system with interactive analytical road health monitoring for smart highways. The project expects to provide potential savings of millions of dollars and improved road quality through targeted, optimised, value-for-money highway maintenance, identified by deployment of cost-effective, energy-efficient miniaturised electromechanical sensors. The expected outcome of this project is the development of a fit-for-purpose and evidence-based early warning system for smart highway construction and maintenance. This should provide significant benefit through foreseeing potential geotechnical risks before they happen and enabling early intervention to enhance road safety and mitigate economic losses.Read moreRead less
Innovative Electrohydrodynamic Atomisation for Improved Nasal Drug Delivery. Inhalation offers high and rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream. This project aims to establish key technologies for a revolutionary system in inhaled nanomedicine delivery. The study will investigate the underlying physics of nanoparticles to create a world-first electrostatic nebuliser, enabling the more effective drug delivery. This technique is expected to overcome the current limitations by providing better c ....Innovative Electrohydrodynamic Atomisation for Improved Nasal Drug Delivery. Inhalation offers high and rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream. This project aims to establish key technologies for a revolutionary system in inhaled nanomedicine delivery. The study will investigate the underlying physics of nanoparticles to create a world-first electrostatic nebuliser, enabling the more effective drug delivery. This technique is expected to overcome the current limitations by providing better control over the size and charge of delivered drugs. The outcomes of this project will benefit pharmaceutical companies in developing products with more efficient nasal delivery of advanced drugs, vaccines, and nanocariers, make it easier for doctors to prescribe, and benefit patients with more accurate dosages.Read moreRead less