A Laser Guide Star using a High Power, Synchronously Pumped Optical Parametric Oscillators. We will develop a novel high power source of 589nm coherent (laser) light to be used to create a laser guide star by exciting sodium atoms in the earth's upper atmosphere (the mesosphere). This is needed to determine the distortion caused by the atmosphere on an optical beam propagating through it and generate the information needed to correct those distortions using an adaptive optics telescope. This pr ....A Laser Guide Star using a High Power, Synchronously Pumped Optical Parametric Oscillators. We will develop a novel high power source of 589nm coherent (laser) light to be used to create a laser guide star by exciting sodium atoms in the earth's upper atmosphere (the mesosphere). This is needed to determine the distortion caused by the atmosphere on an optical beam propagating through it and generate the information needed to correct those distortions using an adaptive optics telescope. This project focuses on the development of a novel high power 589nm source based on a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator.Read moreRead less
Advanced eyesafe Er:YAG short pulsed lasers for remote sensing applications. This project will develop state-of-the-art tunable pulsed Er:YAG laser systems that will represent a significant advance for eyesafe remote sensing and range finder technologies. It will render obsolete, current state-of-the-art systems for laser ranging and enable remote sensing of a critical greenhouse gas.
Foundation technology for quantum measurement, sensing and computing. This project will advance quantum control of cold ions, atoms and diamond colour centres for application of quantum science to high-tech problems, from ion-based quantum computing to diamond-based quantum imaging inside living cells.
Optical technology for quantum science. This project aims to develop and commercialise optical cavity and frequency stabilisation technology to generate laser light at new and precise wavelengths. Australia plays a leading role internationally in quantum science, a burgeoning area of research where fundamental quantum mechanical principles underpin exciting new technological applications, such as ion-based quantum computing, ultracold atom sensing for geo-exploration and defence, and nanoscale i ....Optical technology for quantum science. This project aims to develop and commercialise optical cavity and frequency stabilisation technology to generate laser light at new and precise wavelengths. Australia plays a leading role internationally in quantum science, a burgeoning area of research where fundamental quantum mechanical principles underpin exciting new technological applications, such as ion-based quantum computing, ultracold atom sensing for geo-exploration and defence, and nanoscale imaging inside living human cells. This project aims to continue and develop this role.Read moreRead less
Fracture-Resistant Highly Insulating Vacuum Glazing. Vacuum glazing can provide thermal and sound insulation for windows that achieve the benefits of double glazing without the increased thickness by incorporating a vacuum space between two sheets of glass. The gap is maintained by pillars under high compressive stress due to atmospheric pressure. In this project, we will study the effect of pillar designs and materials on the U-value and the mechanical performance of these complex structures. D ....Fracture-Resistant Highly Insulating Vacuum Glazing. Vacuum glazing can provide thermal and sound insulation for windows that achieve the benefits of double glazing without the increased thickness by incorporating a vacuum space between two sheets of glass. The gap is maintained by pillars under high compressive stress due to atmospheric pressure. In this project, we will study the effect of pillar designs and materials on the U-value and the mechanical performance of these complex structures. Detailed simulations and measurements of stress distributions in the pillars, edge seals and glass sheets, under static and dynamic loading conditions, will allow us to develop glazing structures with greatly increased mechanical strength.Read moreRead less
Optical phased array for space debris tracking and manoeuvring. Space junk in low Earth orbit is increasing at an alarming rate, jeopardising our access to critical navigation, communications, weather and natural disaster warning services. This project will prevent collisions of debris with satellites by developing a new laser system called an optical phased array to track and remotely manoeuvre space debris.
Reconciliation strategies for continuous variable quantum key distribution. This project aims to advance a novel key distribution method, called quantum key distribution, which distributes secure keys using the quantum state of optical channels. Key distribution is a foundational part of data security, allowing digital keys to be securely exchanged between two or more parties, before they are used to protect and share information. The expected outcome is new rateless error correction codes desi ....Reconciliation strategies for continuous variable quantum key distribution. This project aims to advance a novel key distribution method, called quantum key distribution, which distributes secure keys using the quantum state of optical channels. Key distribution is a foundational part of data security, allowing digital keys to be securely exchanged between two or more parties, before they are used to protect and share information. The expected outcome is new rateless error correction codes designed specifically to implement quantum key distribution over long distances. Quantum key distribution is beneficial for ultra-secure communications as it avoids the vulnerability to weak random numbers and quantum-computing brute force attacks that currently threated the security of data protected by existing methods. Read moreRead less
A Space-Based Quantum Communications Platform using Continuous Variables. This work proposes to investigate a new space-borne platform capable of quantum communications with a terrestrial ground station. Different from existing space-borne quantum communication platforms, our new platform will be based on CV (Continuous Variable) technology and will integrate the ability to seamlessly switch to classical Free-Space Optical communications when channel conditions deem quantum communications are .... A Space-Based Quantum Communications Platform using Continuous Variables. This work proposes to investigate a new space-borne platform capable of quantum communications with a terrestrial ground station. Different from existing space-borne quantum communication platforms, our new platform will be based on CV (Continuous Variable) technology and will integrate the ability to seamlessly switch to classical Free-Space Optical communications when channel conditions deem quantum communications are too difficult. Currently no quantum satellite built on CV technology exists. Our research will produce a significant advance in an emerging technology space, and will allow Australia to take scientific leadership in an important aspect of ultra-secure communications from satellites.
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Designing the Quantum-Classical Interface: Technologies for the Diamond Quantum Co-Processor. Diamond is already seen as the front-runner for practical, high temperature, quantum information processing tasks. This proposal places the technological spotlight firmly on diamond and partnering with Hewlett-Packard will ensure that the promise of diamond is explored in an industrially relevant (rather than just academic) fashion. HP brings enormous experience and infrastructure, as well as a proven ....Designing the Quantum-Classical Interface: Technologies for the Diamond Quantum Co-Processor. Diamond is already seen as the front-runner for practical, high temperature, quantum information processing tasks. This proposal places the technological spotlight firmly on diamond and partnering with Hewlett-Packard will ensure that the promise of diamond is explored in an industrially relevant (rather than just academic) fashion. HP brings enormous experience and infrastructure, as well as a proven path to prototype and market for successful technologies. This proposal is an outstanding opportunity to increase the relevance of Australian academic research, increase the training and employment options for Australian graduates, and to expand Australian funding opportunities by improving access to US research funds.Read moreRead less
Scalable nanomechanical information processing. This project aims to build the first scalable computer architecture based on nanoscale motion on a silicon chip. Such nanomechanical computers could extend computing performance in space and earth-orbit applications, and in other environments where intense radiation causes digital electronics to fail. The project intends to utilise recent advances in nanomechanics and nanofabrication to demonstrate all key nanomechanical circuit elements, including ....Scalable nanomechanical information processing. This project aims to build the first scalable computer architecture based on nanoscale motion on a silicon chip. Such nanomechanical computers could extend computing performance in space and earth-orbit applications, and in other environments where intense radiation causes digital electronics to fail. The project intends to utilise recent advances in nanomechanics and nanofabrication to demonstrate all key nanomechanical circuit elements, including transistors, logic gates, memories and analogue-to-digital converters and to deliver a roadmap for commercialisation of the technology in Australia. The expected outcome of this project is the development of the underpinning nanotechnologies, predicted to have wide uses in sensing, health and communications,and which could improve heat management and energy efficiency in future computers. This new approach to computing has potential for near-term commercial impact in the aerospace industry, building on Australian know-how.Read moreRead less