Soft modes in glasses: chemical control of relaxation and mechanical response. The unusual dynamical and mechanical properties of viscous liquids and glasses underpins many existing and emerging technologies, from lubrication to the strength and fragility of bulk metallic glasses. An improved understanding of how macroscopic properties such as viscous flow, ductility and fracture emerge from the microscopic interactions between atoms and molecules will provide the enabling scientific knowledge f ....Soft modes in glasses: chemical control of relaxation and mechanical response. The unusual dynamical and mechanical properties of viscous liquids and glasses underpins many existing and emerging technologies, from lubrication to the strength and fragility of bulk metallic glasses. An improved understanding of how macroscopic properties such as viscous flow, ductility and fracture emerge from the microscopic interactions between atoms and molecules will provide the enabling scientific knowledge for exploiting the properties of such materials on the nanoscale. National expertise in this area will help establish and strengthen international collaboration with leading research institutes in the field.Read moreRead less
Foundations of quantum cryptography for distribution of secret keys. Quantum cryptographic systems have the advantage of mathematically provable security and privacy, addressing security threats to communications as information and communications technologies proliferate. This project aims to quantify a quantum channel's capability for secure communications. This quantity provides the ultimate limit to benchmark practical quantum key distribution protocols for their performance. This will signif ....Foundations of quantum cryptography for distribution of secret keys. Quantum cryptographic systems have the advantage of mathematically provable security and privacy, addressing security threats to communications as information and communications technologies proliferate. This project aims to quantify a quantum channel's capability for secure communications. This quantity provides the ultimate limit to benchmark practical quantum key distribution protocols for their performance. This will significantly advance the theory of quantum cryptography and knowledge of the fundamental resource of secret keys. It is expected to have immediate application for the classical security of existing (non-quantum) communication devices, and benefit security, military, government, industry, individuals, and the community.Read moreRead less
Quantum effects in zero-error communication. This project will establish a systematic quantum zero-error information theory to build highly reliable quantum communications networks. This innovative, breakthrough technology will advance research into the physical realisation of quantum communication. It has global implications and will promote Australia's position in this new research field.
A mathematical foundation and novel solutions for highly secure communications. This project will deliver novel solutions to security and privacy in communication networks by exploring the power of quantum information with mathematical tools from operator stuctures. It will significantly advance our knowledge about quantum communication, with expected benefits on Australian social, economic and even military security.
THE STABILITY OF GLASS-FORMING ALLOYS: SIMULATION STUDIES. Many of the properties that make common glass so valuable as a material can also be achieved in amorphous metals. The 'trick' is to avoid crystallization as the molten state is cooled. Recently, novel combinations of metals have been found to slow down crystallization enough to produce stable amorphous alloys. Developing these new materials depends on an accurate atomic level understanding of how crystallization is frustrated in glass-fo ....THE STABILITY OF GLASS-FORMING ALLOYS: SIMULATION STUDIES. Many of the properties that make common glass so valuable as a material can also be achieved in amorphous metals. The 'trick' is to avoid crystallization as the molten state is cooled. Recently, novel combinations of metals have been found to slow down crystallization enough to produce stable amorphous alloys. Developing these new materials depends on an accurate atomic level understanding of how crystallization is frustrated in glass-forming alloys. This project's aim is to use computer simulations to provide the first microscopic picture of the atomic order that stabilzes the amorphous alloys with regards to both crystallization and mechanical stress.Read moreRead less