Portable three-dimensional ultra-low field MRI. This project aims to address low signal-to-noise ratio in ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI, using dynamic, mechanically-operated small permanent magnet arrays to generate magnetic fields needed for pre-polarisation and spatial encoding. Superconducting magnets make conventional MRI scanners too heavy and expensive for much of the world’s population. ULF MRI instruments offer image contrast mechanisms, are less costly and potentially portable, so can be us ....Portable three-dimensional ultra-low field MRI. This project aims to address low signal-to-noise ratio in ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI, using dynamic, mechanically-operated small permanent magnet arrays to generate magnetic fields needed for pre-polarisation and spatial encoding. Superconducting magnets make conventional MRI scanners too heavy and expensive for much of the world’s population. ULF MRI instruments offer image contrast mechanisms, are less costly and potentially portable, so can be used in unconventional situations. This project will design, construct and evaluate an instrument capable of three-dimensional 3D ULF-MRI. This technology is expected to be useable in field hospitals and emergency settings, and to benefit fields including magnetic refrigeration and remote sensing.Read moreRead less
TeraHertz Cell Cluster Imaging. With this program, Australia will benefit from the interaction between physics, engineering, biology and medicine to develop a new TeraHertz imaging system. The project will identify the factors that contribute to TeraHertz contrast in soft tissue cell cultures, thereby developing a non-invasive imaging system to show contrast between diseased and healthy cells. This is a fundamental step towards a system for diagnosing disease states of skin cells, for example, t ....TeraHertz Cell Cluster Imaging. With this program, Australia will benefit from the interaction between physics, engineering, biology and medicine to develop a new TeraHertz imaging system. The project will identify the factors that contribute to TeraHertz contrast in soft tissue cell cultures, thereby developing a non-invasive imaging system to show contrast between diseased and healthy cells. This is a fundamental step towards a system for diagnosing disease states of skin cells, for example, the early detection of melanoma. Ultimately, Australia will benefit from a new technology, and new diagnostic biomedical techniques, for rapid, non-invasive and reliable skin cancer diagnosis.Read moreRead less
Mobile and rapid nuclear magnetic resonance characterisation of oilfield emulsions. Oilfield emulsions, which can severely disrupt crude oil production, require droplet sizing in order to enable separation of the emulsified water. This project will provide this measurement capability based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques, as are frequently used for chemical identification and medical diagnostics.
Breathing and snoring sound analysis in sleep apnea. About 800,000 Australians suffer from the disease sleep Apnoea (OSA) which has snoring as its earliest symptom. We develop electronics and snore processing algorithms to classify snorers into OSA-positive and OSA-negative classes, based on advanced technology derived from speech recognition systems.
A high flux continuous atom laser. This project aims to create an unprecedented ultra-cold atom source - a high brightness continuous atom laser. Such a device, the atomic analogue of an optical laser, may find near term application in precision inertial sensing based on atom interferometry. The proposed apparatus will utilise new techniques in cutting edge laser cooling and continuous all-optical wave-guiding to dramatically boost the density, collision rate and flux in a guided system. It is e ....A high flux continuous atom laser. This project aims to create an unprecedented ultra-cold atom source - a high brightness continuous atom laser. Such a device, the atomic analogue of an optical laser, may find near term application in precision inertial sensing based on atom interferometry. The proposed apparatus will utilise new techniques in cutting edge laser cooling and continuous all-optical wave-guiding to dramatically boost the density, collision rate and flux in a guided system. It is expected that the project will allow the study of previously unexplored territory in ultra-cold atom atomic physics.Read moreRead less