Cooperativity in Spin-Crossover Systems: Memory, Magnetism and Microporosity. Spin-crossover centres are a well known form of inorganic electronic switch for which variation of temperature, pressure and irradiation leads to a change in d-electron configuration and therefore changes to structure, colour and magnetism. Here we aim to synthesise and study a wide variety of new spin-crossover systems where cooperativity between centres, induced by careful supramolecular design, will lead to molecule ....Cooperativity in Spin-Crossover Systems: Memory, Magnetism and Microporosity. Spin-crossover centres are a well known form of inorganic electronic switch for which variation of temperature, pressure and irradiation leads to a change in d-electron configuration and therefore changes to structure, colour and magnetism. Here we aim to synthesise and study a wide variety of new spin-crossover systems where cooperativity between centres, induced by careful supramolecular design, will lead to molecules and materials having memory retention, magnetic ordering and/or microporosity. The significance of these aims covers several fundamental questions in the science of electronic systems. We also identify a number of potential nanochemical switching applications for the unique systems proposed.Read moreRead less
Neuromorphic Sensing and Diagnostics with Carbon: Towards a Biomimetic Nose. Neuromorphic electronics emulates cognitive processes of the brain and like the brain, is capable of extracting features and recognising patterns within data with extremely low energy requirements. Carbon materials are naturally adapted to neuromorphic electronics and uniquely form a compatible interface for sensing molecules in liquid and gaseous media. This project aims to develop a carbon-based neuromorphic electroni ....Neuromorphic Sensing and Diagnostics with Carbon: Towards a Biomimetic Nose. Neuromorphic electronics emulates cognitive processes of the brain and like the brain, is capable of extracting features and recognising patterns within data with extremely low energy requirements. Carbon materials are naturally adapted to neuromorphic electronics and uniquely form a compatible interface for sensing molecules in liquid and gaseous media. This project aims to develop a carbon-based neuromorphic electronic sensing device and couple it with carbon based neuromorphic pattern recognition technology to build an ‘artificial nose’ for improved health and environmental monitoring. Intended outcomes will include a technology for low-cost and rapid diagnostic services.
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Synthesis of enriched silicon for long-lived donor quantum states. We have discovered a method to make silicon highly enriched in the desirable spin-zero isotope using readily available ion implantation tools. This “semiconductor vacuum” is essential for building future quantum computer devices using the quantum spin of millions of implanted atoms with revolutionary capabilities. We have demonstrated long-lived implanted donor atom quantum states in prototype material, made possible by the deple ....Synthesis of enriched silicon for long-lived donor quantum states. We have discovered a method to make silicon highly enriched in the desirable spin-zero isotope using readily available ion implantation tools. This “semiconductor vacuum” is essential for building future quantum computer devices using the quantum spin of millions of implanted atoms with revolutionary capabilities. We have demonstrated long-lived implanted donor atom quantum states in prototype material, made possible by the depletion of background spins in natural silicon and now aim to push the enrichment to greater extremes. We will integrate the extreme material into functional devices that use electrically detected electron spin resonance to probe exceptionally durable quantum states and open a near-term pathway to large-scale devices.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
Spin manipulation in oxide magnetic semiconductors towards spintronics applications. The project is to develop high quality diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) with magnetic element dopant for practical spintronics applications. The properties for the qualified DMS include intrinsic ferromagnetism, effective spin manipulation, high spin polarisation and long distance of spin transport, which have not been well addressed so far. This project will investigate these issues using advance tools, in ....Spin manipulation in oxide magnetic semiconductors towards spintronics applications. The project is to develop high quality diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) with magnetic element dopant for practical spintronics applications. The properties for the qualified DMS include intrinsic ferromagnetism, effective spin manipulation, high spin polarisation and long distance of spin transport, which have not been well addressed so far. This project will investigate these issues using advance tools, including muon spin relaxation and neutron reflectometry. This project expects to establish criteria for evaluating DMS, understanding spin dynamics and mechanisms of spin manipulation and achieve qualified DMSs.Read moreRead less
Novel terahertz electronics, photonics and plasmonics in high-mobility, low-dimensional electronic systems (HMLDES). High-mobility, low-dimensional electronic systems (HMLDES) are of importance in developing the next generation of electronics, photonics and plasmonics. This is due to their very rapid response time and their strong coupling with the electromagnetic field. This project will investigate the electronic and optical properties of HMLDES in the terahertz frequency regime in a search fo ....Novel terahertz electronics, photonics and plasmonics in high-mobility, low-dimensional electronic systems (HMLDES). High-mobility, low-dimensional electronic systems (HMLDES) are of importance in developing the next generation of electronics, photonics and plasmonics. This is due to their very rapid response time and their strong coupling with the electromagnetic field. This project will investigate the electronic and optical properties of HMLDES in the terahertz frequency regime in a search for a new mechanisms leading to terahertz emission and detection. This fundamental research on charge dynamics, plasmonics and non-linear optical processes in HMLDES will link electronics and optics, paving the way for new HMLDES-based terahertz electronic, photonic and plasmonic devices that will significantly expand terahertz technology to the benefit of all Australians.Read moreRead less
'Designer defects' - A new approach to functional oxide interfaces. The conventional approach to metal oxide interfaces is 'perfection at all costs' with growth tuned to minimise defects and unwanted chemical intermixing. This project aims to turn this approach on its head by creating interfaces with 'designer defects' that become the critical portion of a functional device. This project proposes that one can promote functionality by making use of new physical properties that arise from the deli ....'Designer defects' - A new approach to functional oxide interfaces. The conventional approach to metal oxide interfaces is 'perfection at all costs' with growth tuned to minimise defects and unwanted chemical intermixing. This project aims to turn this approach on its head by creating interfaces with 'designer defects' that become the critical portion of a functional device. This project proposes that one can promote functionality by making use of new physical properties that arise from the deliberate introduction of structural and electronic mismatches at an interface. Such purposely induced 'designer defects' in epitaxial oxide thin films will allow new properties to be achieved in nanoscale layers. This is expected to lead to a new class of functional materials to be used in sensors and nanoelectronics.Read moreRead less
Controlled atomic chaos: breaking through the disorder roadblock for the next generation low power transistors. Computer chip miniaturisation has reached a critical barrier: performance and power consumption are now seriously hampered by atomic level disorder in the materials. The project aims to understand and resolve the disorder problem and establish Australia's place in the international roadmap with disruptive improvement of device speed and power consumption.