New frontiers in statistical mechanics. The chiral Potts model has been introduced in 1981 as a model for commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a layer of atoms or molecules adsorbed to a solid surface. If the adsorbed atoms all fit to holes between the surface atoms, the added layer is frozen, commensurate with the surface. If the added atoms are unable to fit holes, the added layer is no longer commensurate with the surface and could be in a floating state. A deeper understanding of ....New frontiers in statistical mechanics. The chiral Potts model has been introduced in 1981 as a model for commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a layer of atoms or molecules adsorbed to a solid surface. If the adsorbed atoms all fit to holes between the surface atoms, the added layer is frozen, commensurate with the surface. If the added atoms are unable to fit holes, the added layer is no longer commensurate with the surface and could be in a floating state. A deeper understanding of this and similar phenomena in layered systems has nanotechnological implications. This may affect the design of new small electronic devices or could apply to small biological systems and the development of new medicines. The project will surely lead to new applicable mathematics.Read moreRead less
The mathematics and physics of interacting systems. Much of the world around us involves the networked interaction between a large number of components. For example, such complex networks may be physical, biological, social or technical in nature and represent connections between magnetic spins, species, people or computers. This Project will provide a firm theoretical foundation for such complex interacting systems through an investigation of the fascinating mathematics and physics behind them. ....The mathematics and physics of interacting systems. Much of the world around us involves the networked interaction between a large number of components. For example, such complex networks may be physical, biological, social or technical in nature and represent connections between magnetic spins, species, people or computers. This Project will provide a firm theoretical foundation for such complex interacting systems through an investigation of the fascinating mathematics and physics behind them. This perspective from mathematical physics, in particular using the tools of statistical mechanics, will lead to a better understanding of many real-world complex systems.Read moreRead less
Solvable models and pattern formation: quantum spin ladders, combinatorics and stromatolite morphogenesis. The aim of this project is to develop new applications of exactly solved models in statistical mechanics. These include the study of quantum spin ladders of great interest in condensed matter physics. The physical properties of new and existing models will be derived to provide valuable benchmarks and predictions for future theoretical and experimental work. We will also undertake the study ....Solvable models and pattern formation: quantum spin ladders, combinatorics and stromatolite morphogenesis. The aim of this project is to develop new applications of exactly solved models in statistical mechanics. These include the study of quantum spin ladders of great interest in condensed matter physics. The physical properties of new and existing models will be derived to provide valuable benchmarks and predictions for future theoretical and experimental work. We will also undertake the study and development of a set of remarkable conjectures relating the properties of a solvable model to an established area of combinatorics. Another aspect of this project involves the investigation of the origins, growth and form of ancient stromatolites.
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Current-free double layers applied to astrophysical objects and space propulsion. The collaboration between the ANU research group and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) ASTRIUM, the largest European aerospace company, is a unique opportunity for Australia to capitalize on the new discovery of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster made at the ANU. This will allow the Australian space community to stay abreast of international developments in space propulsion and to be with the fore ....Current-free double layers applied to astrophysical objects and space propulsion. The collaboration between the ANU research group and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) ASTRIUM, the largest European aerospace company, is a unique opportunity for Australia to capitalize on the new discovery of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster made at the ANU. This will allow the Australian space community to stay abreast of international developments in space propulsion and to be with the forerunners of this new technology. ANU will have direct access to EADS-ASTRIUM via the relationships developed in this project putting Australia in the enviable position of being an insider in future space developments concerning plasma thrusters and space technology in general.Read moreRead less
Photonic Crystal Enhanced Wavelength Selective, Multi-Colour Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors. Photonic crystal enhanced quantum dot infrared photodetectors are a new generation of detectors developed from integrating nanotechnology with material science and optics. This would not only enhance the detector performance but the structure will now detect a narrow band around the desired wavelength with multi-colour detectivity. The technology developed in this project is anticipated to attract i ....Photonic Crystal Enhanced Wavelength Selective, Multi-Colour Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors. Photonic crystal enhanced quantum dot infrared photodetectors are a new generation of detectors developed from integrating nanotechnology with material science and optics. This would not only enhance the detector performance but the structure will now detect a narrow band around the desired wavelength with multi-colour detectivity. The technology developed in this project is anticipated to attract interest from the industries and government agencies. It will be pervasive for use at home, in the manufacturing and mining industry, environmental and pollution monitoring, defence and national security. Applications include spectral imaging, remote sensing, environmental/pollution monitoring, toxic gas and bio-hazardous material detection.Read moreRead less