Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101593
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,948.00
Summary
Developing new tools to search for dark matter. This project aims to propose and assist in the development of novel approaches, based on atomic, molecular and optical technologies, to detect dark matter in the laboratory, and thereby establish the identity and microscopic properties of dark matter. The origin and nature of dark matter remains one of the most important outstanding problems in contemporary science. The intended outcome of this project is that the use of our novel methods will enab ....Developing new tools to search for dark matter. This project aims to propose and assist in the development of novel approaches, based on atomic, molecular and optical technologies, to detect dark matter in the laboratory, and thereby establish the identity and microscopic properties of dark matter. The origin and nature of dark matter remains one of the most important outstanding problems in contemporary science. The intended outcome of this project is that the use of our novel methods will enable us to search for forms of dark matter that have remained largely unprobed to date. This in turn is expected to open up new opportunities in the global hunt for dark matter that should improve our chances of finally discovering the nature and properties of dark matter.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear Optical Metrology of Electronic Interfaces for Silicon Devices. This project aims to develop a prototype electric field induced second harmonic generation metrology setup for studying thin film dielectric interfaces on silicon in partnership with Femtometrix. The quality of these silicon-dielectric interfaces, which are affected by trapped charges and defects, are critical for microelectronic and optoelectronic device manufacturing. Through several proposed methodologies to separate th ....Nonlinear Optical Metrology of Electronic Interfaces for Silicon Devices. This project aims to develop a prototype electric field induced second harmonic generation metrology setup for studying thin film dielectric interfaces on silicon in partnership with Femtometrix. The quality of these silicon-dielectric interfaces, which are affected by trapped charges and defects, are critical for microelectronic and optoelectronic device manufacturing. Through several proposed methodologies to separate the effect of interface and bulk signals, it is expected that the sensitivity of the prototype setup will exceed the previous record of 1 kV/cm. This metrology technique will be further expanded for applicability to silicon photovoltaics, specifically passivating contacts which cannot be studied via conventional techniques.Read moreRead less
“Beacons in the Night” unveiling how galaxies light up dark matter. How dark matter influences the formation and evolution of galaxies is to this day an outstanding question in astrophysics. To answer it, world-class facilities and a unique combination of observations and theory are required. This DP team, a world-class team of observers and theorists, will tackle this question by leveraging on two multi-million dollar projects: the MAGPI galaxy survey and the hydrodynamical simulations suite EA ....“Beacons in the Night” unveiling how galaxies light up dark matter. How dark matter influences the formation and evolution of galaxies is to this day an outstanding question in astrophysics. To answer it, world-class facilities and a unique combination of observations and theory are required. This DP team, a world-class team of observers and theorists, will tackle this question by leveraging on two multi-million dollar projects: the MAGPI galaxy survey and the hydrodynamical simulations suite EAGLE-XL. MAGPI will deliver exquisite kinematics for hundreds of galaxies in the middle ages of the Universe, providing a view to the effect of dark matter on galaxies at this critical time, while EAGLE-XL represents the technological frontier in simulations and provides the best interpretative framework for MAGPI.Read moreRead less
Superconducting silicon nanodevices. This project will investigate superconductivity in silicon nanowire devices exhibiting both p-type and n-type conductivity. It builds on the recent demonstration at the University of Melbourne of superconductivity in nanowire devices at length-scales suitable for realisation of a broad range of superconducting device structures and utilises standard semiconductor-industry processes. This project will create a new platform for superconducting device developmen ....Superconducting silicon nanodevices. This project will investigate superconductivity in silicon nanowire devices exhibiting both p-type and n-type conductivity. It builds on the recent demonstration at the University of Melbourne of superconductivity in nanowire devices at length-scales suitable for realisation of a broad range of superconducting device structures and utilises standard semiconductor-industry processes. This project will create a new platform for superconducting device development in silicon with potential for building devices with new functionality and improved performance for applications in quantum information technologies, enhancing Australia’s global reputation in quantum information science and assisting emerging industries in this high-valued added area.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100225
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,845.00
Summary
Unmasking dark matter: from the laboratory to the Milky Way. The unknown nature of the dark matter that fills our galaxy is one of the biggest problems in physics today. This project aims to connect the particle and astrophysics of dark matter so as to accelerate us towards its first detection in the lab. The expected outcomes are 1) new experimental concepts to test the widening landscape of viable theories and 2) robust predictions for signals in those experiments backed up by the latest surve ....Unmasking dark matter: from the laboratory to the Milky Way. The unknown nature of the dark matter that fills our galaxy is one of the biggest problems in physics today. This project aims to connect the particle and astrophysics of dark matter so as to accelerate us towards its first detection in the lab. The expected outcomes are 1) new experimental concepts to test the widening landscape of viable theories and 2) robust predictions for signals in those experiments backed up by the latest surveys of our Milky Way. These outcomes should benefit experiments across the world on the quest to fill a major gap in our understanding of the Universe. The grand scope of this research aims to place Australia in the vanguard of one of the most active pursuits of new physics in the modern era.Read moreRead less
The next wave of asteroseismic discovery using NASA’s TESS mission. This project aims to make advances in astrophysics by capitalising on NASA’s upcoming Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission and recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Through an innovative approach to analyse big datasets, the project expects to generate new knowledge in the key areas of planet formation, stellar structure, and the Galaxy’s evolution. Outcomes include strong international links to leadin ....The next wave of asteroseismic discovery using NASA’s TESS mission. This project aims to make advances in astrophysics by capitalising on NASA’s upcoming Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission and recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Through an innovative approach to analyse big datasets, the project expects to generate new knowledge in the key areas of planet formation, stellar structure, and the Galaxy’s evolution. Outcomes include strong international links to leading institutions and enhanced capacity for Australia to be part of cutting-edge space exploration. The methods and skills developed by the project should provide significant benefits to other data-driven sciences and help build smarter business models and improved decision making in industry and government in our increasingly data-dependent economy.Read moreRead less
The pathway to planets: formation of protoplanetary discs. This project aims to expand our knowledge of how planetary systems are born. Observations are bringing new insight into the structure of discs of dusty gas orbiting young stars, but not in sufficient detail to understand how planets form within them. This project aims to link the structure of discs to the well-characterised interstellar cloud cores that collapse to form star-disc systems. The project aspires to use innovative techniques ....The pathway to planets: formation of protoplanetary discs. This project aims to expand our knowledge of how planetary systems are born. Observations are bringing new insight into the structure of discs of dusty gas orbiting young stars, but not in sufficient detail to understand how planets form within them. This project aims to link the structure of discs to the well-characterised interstellar cloud cores that collapse to form star-disc systems. The project aspires to use innovative techniques to enable the rapid collapse calculations needed to map core properties to disc structure. Expected outcomes include knowledge of the disc structures critical to interpreting observations of forming planetary systems. The benefit will be guidance to the theory needed to explain the incredible variety of planetary systems we see today.Read moreRead less
Simulating complexity: ultrastrong interactions in superconducting circuits. This project aims to explore effects of strong interactions on phases of light and matter in complex quantum systems, by mimicking them with surrogates called quantum simulators. The project expects to open up new research directions by building a novel versatile simulator platform from nanoscale superconducting electronic circuits in which all elements are flexibly engineered and precisely controlled. Expected outcomes ....Simulating complexity: ultrastrong interactions in superconducting circuits. This project aims to explore effects of strong interactions on phases of light and matter in complex quantum systems, by mimicking them with surrogates called quantum simulators. The project expects to open up new research directions by building a novel versatile simulator platform from nanoscale superconducting electronic circuits in which all elements are flexibly engineered and precisely controlled. Expected outcomes from the project will include better understanding of complex materials and a certifiable scaling-up pathway towards simulation complexity, future hi-tech manufacturing; and enhanced research capacity in the new interdisciplinary field of quantum engineering. This should help to position Australia as a centre for hi-tech quantum industry leading to both social and economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,664.00
Summary
Multifunctional deposition system for advanced superconducting circuits. This project aims to create a one-stop facility to enhance Australia’s capacity to develop superconducting quantum technology centred on the unique capabilities of a Multifunctional Deposition System. The project will enable and expedite nanofabrication of complex circuits and expects to pioneer novel superconducting and hybrid quantum technologies, and high-tech classical devices for clean-energy and biomedical application ....Multifunctional deposition system for advanced superconducting circuits. This project aims to create a one-stop facility to enhance Australia’s capacity to develop superconducting quantum technology centred on the unique capabilities of a Multifunctional Deposition System. The project will enable and expedite nanofabrication of complex circuits and expects to pioneer novel superconducting and hybrid quantum technologies, and high-tech classical devices for clean-energy and biomedical applications. Expected outcomes include robust multi-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaborations, and increased translation between cutting-edge theory and commercial prototypes. Benefits should include stronger industry engagement, training for next-generation innovators and a boost to Australian advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101375
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
The forest and the trees: How global brain rhythms facilitate local information processing. One of the greatest challenges in understanding the brain is the enormous range of scales it operates on, from single neurons a few microns across to entire hemispheres on the scale of tens of centimetres. This project will investigate how large-scale brain rhythms influence and facilitate information processing, particularly motor control, among small networks of individual neurons. The research question ....The forest and the trees: How global brain rhythms facilitate local information processing. One of the greatest challenges in understanding the brain is the enormous range of scales it operates on, from single neurons a few microns across to entire hemispheres on the scale of tens of centimetres. This project will investigate how large-scale brain rhythms influence and facilitate information processing, particularly motor control, among small networks of individual neurons. The research questions will be addressed by combining detailed computer simulations with data-driven analyses of empirical human and monkey brain dynamics. The outcomes of this project will provide a richer understanding of how our brains encode and process information, leading to practical benefits such as improved control of artificial limbs.Read moreRead less