Frequency stabilisation in the Extremely High Frequency band. All precision communication and measurement systems (i.e. radar and navigation) rely on high quality oscillator technology. Any improvement in oscillator performance has a direct impact on the performance of the system and hence is of potential economic benefit. This project will realise the most stable frequencies ever produced in the underused Extremely High Frequency band, which is also important for space communications and naviga ....Frequency stabilisation in the Extremely High Frequency band. All precision communication and measurement systems (i.e. radar and navigation) rely on high quality oscillator technology. Any improvement in oscillator performance has a direct impact on the performance of the system and hence is of potential economic benefit. This project will realise the most stable frequencies ever produced in the underused Extremely High Frequency band, which is also important for space communications and navigation technology. System enhancement will include, better angular resolution, higher bandwidths, faster transmission rates and narrower beam widths without the susceptibility of absorption apparent from the optical domain.Read moreRead less
Application of ultra-high stability cryogenic sapphire oscillators to Very Long Baseline Interferometry. This project will develop a state-of-the-art commercial prototype of the cryogenic sapphire oscillator (CSO) optimised for use at remote sites. Proof of operation will be applied to the important niche market of Very-Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio astronomy, with improvements in image quality. The research will also significantly benefit the Australian bid for the SKA project, as ....Application of ultra-high stability cryogenic sapphire oscillators to Very Long Baseline Interferometry. This project will develop a state-of-the-art commercial prototype of the cryogenic sapphire oscillator (CSO) optimised for use at remote sites. Proof of operation will be applied to the important niche market of Very-Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio astronomy, with improvements in image quality. The research will also significantly benefit the Australian bid for the SKA project, as the CSO is the only technology capable of synchronising the outputs of the telescopes arrays to the required signal to noise to attain the required image quality. The project will further Australia's status in radio astronomy as a world leader and add to our exports of precision scientific instruments.Read moreRead less
Application of Femtosecond Light Sources to Generation of Low Noise Microwave Signals. The main goal of the research project is to develop prototypes of photonic oscillators capable of generating spectrally pure signals both at optical and microwave frequencies. The project is also aimed at understanding noise mechanisms affecting frequency stability of classical microwave oscillators based on sapphire loaded cavity resonators. By cryogenically cooling such resonators we plan to create a new fam ....Application of Femtosecond Light Sources to Generation of Low Noise Microwave Signals. The main goal of the research project is to develop prototypes of photonic oscillators capable of generating spectrally pure signals both at optical and microwave frequencies. The project is also aimed at understanding noise mechanisms affecting frequency stability of classical microwave oscillators based on sapphire loaded cavity resonators. By cryogenically cooling such resonators we plan to create a new family of extremely low noise and economically viable microwave signal sources. The research proposed will enrich the field of oscillator frequency control, give rise to new techniques for precision noise measurements and reinforce Australia's position at the forefront of microwave and photonic science.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL0992016
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,064,351.00
Summary
Frontiers of Precision Time and Frequency. Devices for precise frequency and time metrology invented at the University of Western Australia have application in telecommunications, advanced radar, optical to microwave links, frequency and time standards, astronomy, tests of fundamental physics and have attracted worldwide interest. This project will strengthen Australian "know how" and expertise, and place us in a position to participate in current and future space missions. Moreover, this repres ....Frontiers of Precision Time and Frequency. Devices for precise frequency and time metrology invented at the University of Western Australia have application in telecommunications, advanced radar, optical to microwave links, frequency and time standards, astronomy, tests of fundamental physics and have attracted worldwide interest. This project will strengthen Australian "know how" and expertise, and place us in a position to participate in current and future space missions. Moreover, this represents an opportunity for high profile involvement as the only southern hemisphere user of the most accurate space clock ever developed, which will likely involve the order of 30 institutes worldwide. This work necessarily includes collaboration with the world's elite metrological institutes.Read moreRead less
Exploring Synergies between Frontier Microphotonics and Advanced Time and Frequency Technology. Recently scientists have developed the means to manufacture objects that are on the same microscopic scale as light itself. These structures can deliver exquisite control of the properties of the light beams. Our existing research has been aimed at developing some of the world's most precise measurement tools based on clocks and the pure colours generated by lasers. By combining these two technologie ....Exploring Synergies between Frontier Microphotonics and Advanced Time and Frequency Technology. Recently scientists have developed the means to manufacture objects that are on the same microscopic scale as light itself. These structures can deliver exquisite control of the properties of the light beams. Our existing research has been aimed at developing some of the world's most precise measurement tools based on clocks and the pure colours generated by lasers. By combining these two technologies, both of which lie at the extreme limit of precision, we will develop a new generation of technology for fundamental science objectives as well as for industrial needs.Read moreRead less
Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between m ....Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between mercury vapour and gold surfaces at the nano-level. Our principal aim is to develop mercury sensor technology suited to alumina refineries. This innovative technology will be a significant breakthrough in the control of mercury emissions and have many other applications.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0883073
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
BigNet - A Distributed Wireless Sensor Network Testbed. The infrastructure developed will be of national /international significance, given the rapid emergence of wireless sensor networks. This integrated facility will allow Australia to be a world leading player in the research and technology development as well as the socially responsible deployment of sensor networks. The facility has the explicit aim to ensure that Australia is a technology leader rather than solely a technology user in sens ....BigNet - A Distributed Wireless Sensor Network Testbed. The infrastructure developed will be of national /international significance, given the rapid emergence of wireless sensor networks. This integrated facility will allow Australia to be a world leading player in the research and technology development as well as the socially responsible deployment of sensor networks. The facility has the explicit aim to ensure that Australia is a technology leader rather than solely a technology user in sensor networks. The test facility will mirror practical requirements for WSN implementation in the Great Barrier Reef and in timber plantation, which would offer substantial economic benefits to Australia.Read moreRead less