Positronic Atoms - A Search for Positron Bound States. An experimental verification of positron bound states will solve a long standing problem in positron physics. A clear understanding of positron binding and the underlying mechanisms will open a new era in low-energy positron-atom/molecular physics, leading the way for breakthrough sciences. For instance, a positron bound state should enhance the annihilation rate between the positron and target valence electron. Positron annihilation, to pro ....Positronic Atoms - A Search for Positron Bound States. An experimental verification of positron bound states will solve a long standing problem in positron physics. A clear understanding of positron binding and the underlying mechanisms will open a new era in low-energy positron-atom/molecular physics, leading the way for breakthrough sciences. For instance, a positron bound state should enhance the annihilation rate between the positron and target valence electron. Positron annihilation, to produce two gamma rays, is a key process in both materials research (e.g. as already heavily employed in defect detection) and bio-medical treatments (e.g. the Positron Emission Tomography, or PET).Read moreRead less
A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. We are proposing to combine new, state-of-the-art detector technology and innovative experimental techniques in the development of A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. This device will enable precise and highly efficient studies on the structure of molecules and their interactions with the physical world. It will be applied to a broad range of problems in contemporary atomic and molecular physics, and will lead to new insights into the dynamics of such re ....A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. We are proposing to combine new, state-of-the-art detector technology and innovative experimental techniques in the development of A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. This device will enable precise and highly efficient studies on the structure of molecules and their interactions with the physical world. It will be applied to a broad range of problems in contemporary atomic and molecular physics, and will lead to new insights into the dynamics of such reactions and their role in our everyday lives.Read moreRead less
Benchmark Studies of Positron Interactions with Helium. Australia has been at the forefront of experimental studies of electron-driven processes and theoretical descriptions of positron interactions. A new experimental program to study experimental low energy positron atomic physics provides a perfect synergy of these two areas of expertise. The field is a relatively new and emerging one and is focused around a number of new experimental approaches, such as those being developed at the Austral ....Benchmark Studies of Positron Interactions with Helium. Australia has been at the forefront of experimental studies of electron-driven processes and theoretical descriptions of positron interactions. A new experimental program to study experimental low energy positron atomic physics provides a perfect synergy of these two areas of expertise. The field is a relatively new and emerging one and is focused around a number of new experimental approaches, such as those being developed at the Australian National University. This set of experiments, on positron interactions with helium, will provide new experimental evidence to further our understanding of fundamental quantum processes and place Australia at the forefront of the field.Read moreRead less
Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian the ....Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian theorists are preeminent, and the research training will
produce PhD graduates with a high-level ability in numerical modelling
using supercomputers. Such skills are essential in many defense,
information and nano-technology applications of national priority.
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Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoret ....Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical and experimental tools with the aim of understanding how the electron correlation interplays with the
superstrong electromagnetic field. This will provide insight into fundamental processes of interaction of intense laser pulses with matter which are important in a wide range of applications.
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Atomic Ionization on the Attosecond Time Scale. Electrons emit light, carry electric current, and bind atoms together to form molecules. Insight into their atomic-scale motion is the key to understanding the functioning of biological systems, developing efficient sources of x-ray light, and speeding up electronics. Capturing this electron motion requires attosecond (one quintillionth of a second) time resolution. Our research aims to understand and accurately model fundamental atomic processes ....Atomic Ionization on the Attosecond Time Scale. Electrons emit light, carry electric current, and bind atoms together to form molecules. Insight into their atomic-scale motion is the key to understanding the functioning of biological systems, developing efficient sources of x-ray light, and speeding up electronics. Capturing this electron motion requires attosecond (one quintillionth of a second) time resolution. Our research aims to understand and accurately model fundamental atomic processes taking place on the attosecond time scale. This research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where Australian theorists are preeminent, and the research training will produce PhD graduates with the skills essential in a multitude of nano-technology applications. Read moreRead less
Insight from Darkness: Nanophotonics for real-time phase imaging. This project aims to develop ultrathin surfaces patterned on the nanoscale for extracting information from optical wavefields. These devices can be designed to provide real-time phase contrast imaging of transparent objects. This capability would open up the possibility of live-cell imaging with no expensive optical components and no, or minimal, computational post-processing. The planar configuration is designed to be compatible ....Insight from Darkness: Nanophotonics for real-time phase imaging. This project aims to develop ultrathin surfaces patterned on the nanoscale for extracting information from optical wavefields. These devices can be designed to provide real-time phase contrast imaging of transparent objects. This capability would open up the possibility of live-cell imaging with no expensive optical components and no, or minimal, computational post-processing. The planar configuration is designed to be compatible with next-generation lab-on-a-chip technologies and permit rapid throughput diagnostics with potential applications in biomedicine and materials science. Expected project outcomes may also underpin fundamental advances in understanding the interaction of light with nanostructures.Read moreRead less
Molecular Interactions in the Eubacterial Replisome: A Paradigm for Study of Dynamic Macromolecular Machines. Many pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics in common use, and new drugs are urgently required to kill them. Copying of their chromosomes before they divide into two new cells is essential for bacteria to live, so DNA synthesis is a good process to target for development of new antibiotics. This project will use state-of-the-art equipment available in several labora ....Molecular Interactions in the Eubacterial Replisome: A Paradigm for Study of Dynamic Macromolecular Machines. Many pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics in common use, and new drugs are urgently required to kill them. Copying of their chromosomes before they divide into two new cells is essential for bacteria to live, so DNA synthesis is a good process to target for development of new antibiotics. This project will use state-of-the-art equipment available in several laboratories in Australia and overseas to develop new understanding of how the molecular machine that copies DNA works. This k nowledge could lead to new drugs, and will give us new information about how cellular machines function.Read moreRead less
Programmable Organometallics for Spatiotemporal Light Control. This Project aims to develop new materials that control and modify light. The new organometallics from this Project are anticipated to display world record light intensity-dependent absorption and other phenomena. These new programmable molecules are expected to respond to environmental stimuli with precise spatial control. Anticipated outcomes of this Project include environmental sensors and a technology platform for targeted medic ....Programmable Organometallics for Spatiotemporal Light Control. This Project aims to develop new materials that control and modify light. The new organometallics from this Project are anticipated to display world record light intensity-dependent absorption and other phenomena. These new programmable molecules are expected to respond to environmental stimuli with precise spatial control. Anticipated outcomes of this Project include environmental sensors and a technology platform for targeted medical imaging and light-responsive therapies. This Project should provide significant benefits including possible commercialisation of the new materials, enhanced research capacity, training students and a postdoctoral fellow with unique skills, and the strengthening of research linkages with strategic partners.Read moreRead less
Experiments with Antimatter: Investigating Positron Interactions with Atoms, Molecules and Materials. We will construct a trap-based, positron beam line to be used to investigate the interactions of positrons with matter, namely atoms, molecules, and materials. Specific experimental goals include the observation of positron binding to matter and the investigation of the threshold behaviour of processes such as ionisation by positron impact and positronium formation, where correlation between th ....Experiments with Antimatter: Investigating Positron Interactions with Atoms, Molecules and Materials. We will construct a trap-based, positron beam line to be used to investigate the interactions of positrons with matter, namely atoms, molecules, and materials. Specific experimental goals include the observation of positron binding to matter and the investigation of the threshold behaviour of processes such as ionisation by positron impact and positronium formation, where correlation between the positron and bound electrons plays an important role. The beam line will also provide a unique facility for the investigation and characterisation of new materials.Read moreRead less