The Role of Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Self-Assembly of Metallic Nanocrystals. Global interest in metallic nano-crystals has recently increased dramatically as the realized applications of these structures begin to span the fields of nanotechnology and nano-biotechnology. In all these applications, control of the size and morphology of the nano-particles is critically important, as these characteristics determine their electronic, optical and catalytic properties. This requires an understa ....The Role of Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Self-Assembly of Metallic Nanocrystals. Global interest in metallic nano-crystals has recently increased dramatically as the realized applications of these structures begin to span the fields of nanotechnology and nano-biotechnology. In all these applications, control of the size and morphology of the nano-particles is critically important, as these characteristics determine their electronic, optical and catalytic properties. This requires an understanding of the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic driving forces, which govern nano-particle nucleation, growth and stability. This project will investigate the role of surface thermodynamics and growth kinetics in the nucleation, growth and stability of metallic nano-crystals in order to understand how to control their synthesis.Read moreRead less
Visualizing spin-related properties of functional nanostructures (for spintronics). This project contributes to undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral research and training to encourage the pursuit of excellence, with:
- increased depth of knowledge in interdisciplinary research,
- a scientific environment providing access to research not otherwise in Australia,
- experience in the design, construction and development of scientific instruments.
Possible applications include high-speed ....Visualizing spin-related properties of functional nanostructures (for spintronics). This project contributes to undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral research and training to encourage the pursuit of excellence, with:
- increased depth of knowledge in interdisciplinary research,
- a scientific environment providing access to research not otherwise in Australia,
- experience in the design, construction and development of scientific instruments.
Possible applications include high-speed magnetic filters, sensors, quantum transistors and spin qubits for quantum computers. The technological aspects of our project's outcomes offer real prospects of local development. The development of spin-polarized electron spectroscopy has great potential for existing applications in the surface science industry.
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Quantum dynamics of solid-state qubits. The primary aim of this project is to carry out a critical assessment of several solid-state qubit systems and quantum logic gate operations through detailed theoretical calculations. This project will address important issues such as precise control of electron flux and spin interactions, optimal operating conditions, errors due to imperfection in the system and possible mechanisms for error elimination, as well as reliable measurements of the output qubi ....Quantum dynamics of solid-state qubits. The primary aim of this project is to carry out a critical assessment of several solid-state qubit systems and quantum logic gate operations through detailed theoretical calculations. This project will address important issues such as precise control of electron flux and spin interactions, optimal operating conditions, errors due to imperfection in the system and possible mechanisms for error elimination, as well as reliable measurements of the output qubit register. In addition, qubit systems have shown themselves to be tiny laboratories in which fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics can be tested and a new regime of physics can be learnt.Read moreRead less
Complex plasmas: self-organized dusty matter from nanotechnology to astrophysics. The importance of complex plasmas is based on their intricate self-organized behaviour, on their rich variety in nature and extensive use in the laboratory and advanced technologies. This project aims at breakthrough results advancing the fundamental knowledge and contributing to frontier technologies such as nanoelectronics and nanotechnology as well as reliability of space technological systems and communication ....Complex plasmas: self-organized dusty matter from nanotechnology to astrophysics. The importance of complex plasmas is based on their intricate self-organized behaviour, on their rich variety in nature and extensive use in the laboratory and advanced technologies. This project aims at breakthrough results advancing the fundamental knowledge and contributing to frontier technologies such as nanoelectronics and nanotechnology as well as reliability of space technological systems and communications. The project will boost fundamental and applied aspects of the Australian science as well as international collaborative links of Australian research and technology by allowing access and involvement to advanced multi-national programs and high-profile experiments such as those on board the International Space Station.Read moreRead less
Physics of High Power Pulsed Plasmas for Materials Synthesis. The new science produced will have a direct benefit on the synthesis of a new generation of materials for many applications, such as transparent conductive oxides, multilayer structures, and heat mirror materials for glazings. Many of these materials will help reduce energy consumption in the built environment and hence Australia's emission of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it will help to develop environmentally clean production met ....Physics of High Power Pulsed Plasmas for Materials Synthesis. The new science produced will have a direct benefit on the synthesis of a new generation of materials for many applications, such as transparent conductive oxides, multilayer structures, and heat mirror materials for glazings. Many of these materials will help reduce energy consumption in the built environment and hence Australia's emission of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, it will help to develop environmentally clean production methods for many existing as well as new applications by replacing liquid based production techniques such as electroplating which generate toxic liquid wastes. Read moreRead less
Self-organised complex ionised gas systems for ordered nanometre-scale assemblies. This proposal is to develop the physical principles of nano-scale assembly processes in complex plasmas. Novel approaches for tailoring the plasma-grown building blocks and controllable deposition of ordered nanoparticle arrays on nanopatterned solids are targeted. The fundamentals of the multi-scale dynamic processes will be elucidated and existing techniques for developing new materials and electronic/photonic d ....Self-organised complex ionised gas systems for ordered nanometre-scale assemblies. This proposal is to develop the physical principles of nano-scale assembly processes in complex plasmas. Novel approaches for tailoring the plasma-grown building blocks and controllable deposition of ordered nanoparticle arrays on nanopatterned solids are targeted. The fundamentals of the multi-scale dynamic processes will be elucidated and existing techniques for developing new materials and electronic/photonic devices will be advanced. The expected outcomes are highly relevant for the nano-materials and optoelectronic technologies, rapidly emerging areas of high-tech industries worldwide.Read moreRead less
Deterministic plasma-aided nanoassembly: from elementary processes to industry-grade nano- and biomaterials. This collaborative project aims to develop new approaches for the improved plasma-based synthesis of selected nano- and biomaterials that will comply with the relevant industry standards. It is based on extensive international research networking and will ultimately lead to a major breakthrough in highly-controlled plasma-aided synthesis of advanced functional materials and devices. The p ....Deterministic plasma-aided nanoassembly: from elementary processes to industry-grade nano- and biomaterials. This collaborative project aims to develop new approaches for the improved plasma-based synthesis of selected nano- and biomaterials that will comply with the relevant industry standards. It is based on extensive international research networking and will ultimately lead to a major breakthrough in highly-controlled plasma-aided synthesis of advanced functional materials and devices. The project outcomes will attract the interest of established and emerging industries in Australia, Singapore and other countries, and will be useful for the development of small high-tech companies in Australia. This project is ideally suited for training of early-career postdoctoral researchers and research students of competitive international standing.Read moreRead less
Plasma nanotools: bridging plasma physics and surface science. This project will herald a new frontier research area at the edge of plasma physics and surface science, secure and strengthen Australia's presence in newly emerging nanotechnology fields, reveal the superior potential of and raise the global high-tech market sentiment in plasma-aided nanofabrication of flat display panels, biosensors, nanoelectronic devices, smart nanomaterials, and other high-tech products. The outcomes will ultima ....Plasma nanotools: bridging plasma physics and surface science. This project will herald a new frontier research area at the edge of plasma physics and surface science, secure and strengthen Australia's presence in newly emerging nanotechnology fields, reveal the superior potential of and raise the global high-tech market sentiment in plasma-aided nanofabrication of flat display panels, biosensors, nanoelectronic devices, smart nanomaterials, and other high-tech products. The outcomes will ultimately lead to new environment-friendly and cost-efficient plasma-based technologies and nanofabrication and nanotooling industries in Australia. High profile of Australia-based research will be raised via a new network of international collaborations and low-cost involvement into forefront research programs.Read moreRead less
Room Temperature Quantum Devices based on Spins in Organic Semiconductors:
Characterisation, Control and Development. Organic semiconductors are widely used in optoelectronic devices - recent work has also demonstrated that they contain coherent quantum spin states, even at room temperature. This project will use spin resonance and control techniques from quantum physics to determine the processes which limit coherence in these materials, determine ways to overcome these limitations, and then i ....Room Temperature Quantum Devices based on Spins in Organic Semiconductors:
Characterisation, Control and Development. Organic semiconductors are widely used in optoelectronic devices - recent work has also demonstrated that they contain coherent quantum spin states, even at room temperature. This project will use spin resonance and control techniques from quantum physics to determine the processes which limit coherence in these materials, determine ways to overcome these limitations, and then incorporate the materials into devices which exploit the power of these quantum systems at room-temperature. This project advances the prospect of ubiquitously incorporating quantum technologies into everyday applications, impacting fields from information storage to sensing.Read moreRead less
Ultrafast photonic hammer: A new strategy to synthesise super-dense super-hard nanomaterials. We will develop a new way for laboratory synthesis of new classes of super-hard and super-dense materials at and above the extremely high temperature and density range currently accessible only in nuclear explosions. The ability of ultra-fast laser-induced phase transformations will be exploited aiming to form materials with exotic properties, which are theoretically predicted, but has not experimental ....Ultrafast photonic hammer: A new strategy to synthesise super-dense super-hard nanomaterials. We will develop a new way for laboratory synthesis of new classes of super-hard and super-dense materials at and above the extremely high temperature and density range currently accessible only in nuclear explosions. The ability of ultra-fast laser-induced phase transformations will be exploited aiming to form materials with exotic properties, which are theoretically predicted, but has not experimentally confirmed yet. Our new approach will have a profound interdisciplinary impact. The project will deliver underpinning knowledge, foremost practical expertise, and the prominent training of young researchers to secure Australia's international position among the leaders in the rapidly growing and competitive field of nanotechnology.Read moreRead less