High-performance computational data-mining techniques for feature detection in complex time series from large-scale, networked plasma experiments. Terabytes of data are gathered from large experimental facilities as complex time-series. Analysis of these data is daunting, especially when they involve high-dimensional spectral or image arrays. We will develop high-performance computational techniques for dimension reduction, efficient data-mining, and experimental control, using as an initial ta ....High-performance computational data-mining techniques for feature detection in complex time series from large-scale, networked plasma experiments. Terabytes of data are gathered from large experimental facilities as complex time-series. Analysis of these data is daunting, especially when they involve high-dimensional spectral or image arrays. We will develop high-performance computational techniques for dimension reduction, efficient data-mining, and experimental control, using as an initial target the H-1NF plasma fusion MNRF at the ANU and its >100 GB/year data stream. The techniques will immediately provide Australian researchers with unique tools for collaboration in international research to develop fusion as a low-emissions source of electricity, and will be applicable to complex time-series analysis in other areas of science, medicine, and defence.Read moreRead less
Development of microwave tomography techniques and inverse methods for biomedical imaging applications. Microwave tomography is a rapidly emerging imaging technology with highly significant applications in industry and medicine. In particular, given its sensitivity to differences between normal and malignant breast tissue, non-invasive microwave imaging has been the subject of intense research interest in the last ten years. In collaboration with workers at Chalmers University in Sweden, we wi ....Development of microwave tomography techniques and inverse methods for biomedical imaging applications. Microwave tomography is a rapidly emerging imaging technology with highly significant applications in industry and medicine. In particular, given its sensitivity to differences between normal and malignant breast tissue, non-invasive microwave imaging has been the subject of intense research interest in the last ten years. In collaboration with workers at Chalmers University in Sweden, we will develop and evaluate a scanning microwave imaging tomographic system with a number of potential industrial and biomedical applications. This appears to be a new Australian initiative.Read moreRead less
Experimental Demonstrations of New Theorems of Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics. In the last decade, two theorems have been proposed to revolutionise the field of thermodynamics. These theorems lift the restriction of the thermodynamic limit, allowing thermodynamic concepts to be applied to small systems such as nanomachines, and characterise systems that may be far-from-equilibrium. These theorems are at odds with a traditional understanding of 19th century thermodynamics where equilibrium is cent ....Experimental Demonstrations of New Theorems of Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics. In the last decade, two theorems have been proposed to revolutionise the field of thermodynamics. These theorems lift the restriction of the thermodynamic limit, allowing thermodynamic concepts to be applied to small systems such as nanomachines, and characterise systems that may be far-from-equilibrium. These theorems are at odds with a traditional understanding of 19th century thermodynamics where equilibrium is central and the Second Law inviolate. However they are critical to the application of thermodynamic concepts to modern systems of the 21st century. Using Optical Tweezers, we will experimentally demonstrate these theorems, present irrefutable evidence of their validity, and demonstrate their application in modern systems.Read moreRead less
Experimental Demonstrations of Violations of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Inventors and engineers strive to scale-down machines, devices and engines to nanometre sizes for a range of technological purposes and scientists investigate protein motors to understand their operation in hopes of modifying their biological behaviour. However, according to a new theorem in Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, there is a fundamental limit to this scaling-down of engines: such nanomachines, includi ....Experimental Demonstrations of Violations of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Inventors and engineers strive to scale-down machines, devices and engines to nanometre sizes for a range of technological purposes and scientists investigate protein motors to understand their operation in hopes of modifying their biological behaviour. However, according to a new theorem in Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, there is a fundamental limit to this scaling-down of engines: such nanomachines, including protein motors, will run in "reverse" for appreciable amounts of time and in violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. We propose to demonstrate this inescapable, operational limit in nanotechnology with experiments using an Optical Tweezers apparatus.Read moreRead less
Quantum Simulations with Dilute Gas Bose Einstein Condensates. Fundamental scientific research, such as we propose, is an important contributor to the long term wealth and well being of the Nation. It shapes our culture, our ways of thinking, and our beliefs. It also contributes directly, and in the shorter term, through the technology development that accompanies scientific research at the frontiers of knowledge. The students participating in this research will develop skills in innovation, int ....Quantum Simulations with Dilute Gas Bose Einstein Condensates. Fundamental scientific research, such as we propose, is an important contributor to the long term wealth and well being of the Nation. It shapes our culture, our ways of thinking, and our beliefs. It also contributes directly, and in the shorter term, through the technology development that accompanies scientific research at the frontiers of knowledge. The students participating in this research will develop skills in innovation, intellectual property management, and commercialisation - all of which are critical to the Nation's future.Read moreRead less