Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100194
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
Optical diagnostics for the investigation of high-speed energetic processes. Optical diagnostics for the investigation of high-speed energetic processes:
The project seeks to establish equipment to enable the investigation of high-speed energetic processes. Such processes, where large amounts of energy are released over a short time frame, occur in nature and almost every field of science and engineering, and their investigation is a formidable challenge. This challenge is designed to be met th ....Optical diagnostics for the investigation of high-speed energetic processes. Optical diagnostics for the investigation of high-speed energetic processes:
The project seeks to establish equipment to enable the investigation of high-speed energetic processes. Such processes, where large amounts of energy are released over a short time frame, occur in nature and almost every field of science and engineering, and their investigation is a formidable challenge. This challenge is designed to be met through the combined use of state-of-the-art flow visualisation, thermography and spectrometry equipment. These diagnostics would open avenues into so far impossible or difficult to conduct research on highly transient phenomena in various research fields, which include various aspects of fluid mechanics, combustion, and fracture mechanics. The equipment would be instrumental in the design of better and innovative machines, materials, instruments and processes.Read moreRead less
Enhancing the science reach of second generation interferometric gravitational wave detectors through innovative mirror design and control. Predicted by Einstein, gravitational waves promise to unlock the secrets of the universe just as seismic measurements unlocked the secrets of the Earth's interior. Scientists are on the brink of detecting these waves. This research aids that effort by developing Australian technologies which allow specific gravitational wave sources to be targeted.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL150100019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,041,282.00
Summary
Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing. Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing: This fellowship project aims to levitate macroscopic objects using only laser beams, to provide a new tool to test physics theories. Strong laser beams can exert sufficient force to counteract gravity and make an object levitate. In contrast to other forms of levitation, laser levitation is scatter-free and can preserve system coherence. It has s ....Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing. Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing: This fellowship project aims to levitate macroscopic objects using only laser beams, to provide a new tool to test physics theories. Strong laser beams can exert sufficient force to counteract gravity and make an object levitate. In contrast to other forms of levitation, laser levitation is scatter-free and can preserve system coherence. It has superior optical and mechanical quality factors and complete information of the system dynamics is retained. This allows laser levitation to be turned into a highly controllable and ultra-sensitive device capable of detecting minute environmental changes. This research aims to probe the relationship between quantum and gravitational physics and develop laser levitation into a precision instrument for the sensing of gravity. Laser levitation has the potential to be developed into technology for mineral exploration and environmental sensing.Read moreRead less
Coherent Laser Levitation for Precision Sensing and Enabling Science. When light collides with matter, it may exert a force called radiation pressure. This project aims to use radiation pressure to levitate a small mirror. Using a tripod of laser beams, it is possible to levitate and trap the mirror in a stable position. Radiation pressure has been used before to levitate, but previous work has always involved scattering light from the levitating object. This project proposes the use of a high q ....Coherent Laser Levitation for Precision Sensing and Enabling Science. When light collides with matter, it may exert a force called radiation pressure. This project aims to use radiation pressure to levitate a small mirror. Using a tripod of laser beams, it is possible to levitate and trap the mirror in a stable position. Radiation pressure has been used before to levitate, but previous work has always involved scattering light from the levitating object. This project proposes the use of a high quality mirror, allowing the collection of the reflected light and the accurate measurement and control of the position of the mirror as it floats on the laser beams. Using the unique properties of the floating mirror, it will be possible to search for signatures of quantum gravity and develop tools for ultra-precision metrology.Read moreRead less
Atomic sensors for dark matter, rotation and magnetic fields. This project aims to develop ultra-high-performance sensors. The research will explore new methods for using the magnetic and optical properties of atomic gases to enable multi-parameter sensing without crosstalk between measurements. It is expected that techniques will be developed to allow simultaneous sensing of rotation and magnetic fields using devices that are compact, ultra-precise and energy efficient. It is also anticipated t ....Atomic sensors for dark matter, rotation and magnetic fields. This project aims to develop ultra-high-performance sensors. The research will explore new methods for using the magnetic and optical properties of atomic gases to enable multi-parameter sensing without crosstalk between measurements. It is expected that techniques will be developed to allow simultaneous sensing of rotation and magnetic fields using devices that are compact, ultra-precise and energy efficient. It is also anticipated that these new atomic sensors will support a global network looking for dark matter, which although never seen, is thought to make up 85% of the mass of the universe. The outcomes are expected to benefit medical science, geo-exploration, high-tech manufacturing, navigation and our understanding of the universe.Read moreRead less
X-ray Ghost Imaging and Tomography. This project aims to achieve safer, faster, and cheaper 3D X-ray imaging through a technique known as ghost imaging. X-ray imaging provides valuable information about internal structures, however, X-rays are carcinogenic and exposure (or dose) should be limited. Ghost imaging is an unconventional technique developed with visible light that has many potential benefits over conventional imaging. This research group are world leaders in ghost imaging and expect t ....X-ray Ghost Imaging and Tomography. This project aims to achieve safer, faster, and cheaper 3D X-ray imaging through a technique known as ghost imaging. X-ray imaging provides valuable information about internal structures, however, X-rays are carcinogenic and exposure (or dose) should be limited. Ghost imaging is an unconventional technique developed with visible light that has many potential benefits over conventional imaging. This research group are world leaders in ghost imaging and expect to develop software and hardware techniques to realise its potential and extend it to ghost tomography. The focus of this project is on reducing cancer risk in medical imaging, and allowing real-time quality control for 3D printing in safety-critical industries such as aerospace.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. The Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics will deliver breakthroughs in our understanding of the Universe through the pursuit of the discovery of dark matter particles which comprise 80% of the mass of the universe. It assembles for the first time a strong and diverse team of physicists from particle, nuclear, and quantum physics as well as particle astrophysics. It will deliver high-profile experiments using new cutting- ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. The Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics will deliver breakthroughs in our understanding of the Universe through the pursuit of the discovery of dark matter particles which comprise 80% of the mass of the universe. It assembles for the first time a strong and diverse team of physicists from particle, nuclear, and quantum physics as well as particle astrophysics. It will deliver high-profile experiments using new cutting-edge technologies. The Centre will exploit the unique geographical location of the first underground physics lab in the Southern Hemisphere. The ultra-sensitive detectors and ultra-low radiation techniques will translate into a broad range of industrial applications and train a new generation of scientists.Read moreRead less
Formation and manipulation of ferroelectric domains with ultrafast light. This project aims to study the fundamental processes governing interaction of ultrafast light pulses with an important class of ferroelectric materials. In particular, it will investigate the physics of light-induced ferroelectric domain reversal in various types of ferroelectrics. Project outcomes will lead to the development of a novel, ultrafast laser domain patterning technique for application in nonlinear photonics, o ....Formation and manipulation of ferroelectric domains with ultrafast light. This project aims to study the fundamental processes governing interaction of ultrafast light pulses with an important class of ferroelectric materials. In particular, it will investigate the physics of light-induced ferroelectric domain reversal in various types of ferroelectrics. Project outcomes will lead to the development of a novel, ultrafast laser domain patterning technique for application in nonlinear photonics, optical memories, and photovoltaics. This technique will be employed to create the first example of three-dimensional domain patterns for versatile wave interactions. This project expects to expand Australia's knowledge in ultrafast laser engineering of materials and contribute towards its rapid uptake by industries, with great potential for commercialisation.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,000,000.00
Summary
Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO+: continuation. The aim of this project is, in collaboration with the USA and UK, to complete the installation and commissioning of the Advanced LIGO+ facilities in the USA in order to bring them to design sensitivity. These facilities expect to increase the event rate of gravitational wave signals by a factor of 125. This should lead to daily detections and the observation of new sources of gravitational waves. Given that only 5% of the universe is detect ....Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO+: continuation. The aim of this project is, in collaboration with the USA and UK, to complete the installation and commissioning of the Advanced LIGO+ facilities in the USA in order to bring them to design sensitivity. These facilities expect to increase the event rate of gravitational wave signals by a factor of 125. This should lead to daily detections and the observation of new sources of gravitational waves. Given that only 5% of the universe is detectable by telescopes, the impact of gravitational wave detections on our understanding of the universe is inestimable. Australian partnership intends to enable our physicists and astronomers to be at the vanguard of this brand new field and inspire a new generation to study the physical sciences.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100550
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,127.00
Summary
Superior performance optical coatings for next-generation interferometry. This project aims to investigate fundamental noise in optical coatings, a limiting factor for state-of-the-art astronomical observatories, global timing standards, and photonics applications. Gravitational wave detectors, marvels of precision engineering that have produced ground-breaking discoveries in fundamental science, are particularly afflicted by coating noise. The proposed experiment plans to operate at cryogenic t ....Superior performance optical coatings for next-generation interferometry. This project aims to investigate fundamental noise in optical coatings, a limiting factor for state-of-the-art astronomical observatories, global timing standards, and photonics applications. Gravitational wave detectors, marvels of precision engineering that have produced ground-breaking discoveries in fundamental science, are particularly afflicted by coating noise. The proposed experiment plans to operate at cryogenic temperatures with unprecedented sensitivity to conduct feasibility studies of deposition methods, coating materials, and layer structures. The goal is to deploy innovative methods to develop Australian-made optical coatings with superior performance and merit for the most demanding scientific and industrial applications.Read moreRead less