Multimodal retinal imaging provides "insight" into cerebrovascular ageing. Multimodal retinal imaging provides "insight" into cerebrovascular ageing. This project aims to develop a multi-modal imaging technology platform to simultaneously measure amyloid beta and its neurovascular sequelae to identify novel early biomarkers of ageing in the eye and brain. The growing ageing population is an increasing socioeconomic burden. The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to ageing, which i ....Multimodal retinal imaging provides "insight" into cerebrovascular ageing. Multimodal retinal imaging provides "insight" into cerebrovascular ageing. This project aims to develop a multi-modal imaging technology platform to simultaneously measure amyloid beta and its neurovascular sequelae to identify novel early biomarkers of ageing in the eye and brain. The growing ageing population is an increasing socioeconomic burden. The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to ageing, which is difficult to measure at its onset. Critically, as the eye is an easily accessible extension of the cortex, retinal imaging may be a non-invasive surrogate to assess ageing changes in the brain. Anticipated outcomes are a sensitive detector of neural ageing, improved preventative measures, reducing the socioeconomic burden of ageing, and improved quality of life.Read moreRead less
Nanophotonic metamaterials as anti-counterfeit devices in Australian banknotes. This project will demonstrate the application of novel materials as the basis for next generation security features on banknotes. Such elements play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Australia's currency since they present a significant barrier to counterfeiting.
A versatile optical wavelength and mode switching device for future telecommunication networks. This project will develop a next generation switching device for future fibre optical communication networks that will divide their information among several modes of specialty fibre. This device will be a key component for allowing network operators to move to these novel mode-multiplexed networks in order to overcome the looming capacity crunch.
Indoor Photovoltaics Enabled by Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Quantum Dots. This project aims to develop a high-efficiency indoor photovoltaic (PV) technology to provide reliable low-cost power in the multi-billion dollar “Internet of Things” (IoT) market. There are currently no devices that meet the requirements for maximum operating efficiency under indoor illumination. We propose to solve this problem by fabricating PV cells using colloidal perovskite quantum dots that offer class-leading stability ....Indoor Photovoltaics Enabled by Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Quantum Dots. This project aims to develop a high-efficiency indoor photovoltaic (PV) technology to provide reliable low-cost power in the multi-billion dollar “Internet of Things” (IoT) market. There are currently no devices that meet the requirements for maximum operating efficiency under indoor illumination. We propose to solve this problem by fabricating PV cells using colloidal perovskite quantum dots that offer class-leading stability and band gap tunability across the required range, enabled by quantum confinement. The outcome is the development of integrated self-powered IoT devices potentially impacting Advanced Manufacturing growth in Energy, Cyber Security, Food and Agribusiness, as all of these will ultimately rely on networked smart devices.Read moreRead less
Photonic chip inertial movement sensors. This project aims to create a new class of optical inertial movement sensors using integrated photonic chip technology. By replacing optical fibre coils with compact waveguides, integrating light sources on-chip and by harnessing smart sensing approaches, we intend to reduce the required power from watts to milliwatts and reduce the dimensions from meters to centimetres. The expected project outcomes are sensors with military grade precision but with the ....Photonic chip inertial movement sensors. This project aims to create a new class of optical inertial movement sensors using integrated photonic chip technology. By replacing optical fibre coils with compact waveguides, integrating light sources on-chip and by harnessing smart sensing approaches, we intend to reduce the required power from watts to milliwatts and reduce the dimensions from meters to centimetres. The expected project outcomes are sensors with military grade precision but with the size, cost and manufacturability of consumer electronics. This technology will fill a strategic gap in the movement sensor market enabling applications ranging from robotic infrastructure monitoring, manufacture and surgery to guiding satellites and other space craft.Read moreRead less
Advanced metallisation for III-V Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems. This project aims to augment the overall electrical efficiency of concentrator photovoltaic solar systems that provide large-scale generation of cheap, clean electricity. Existing concentrator solar cells are highly efficient (>40%) but their performance is hampered by thick front-metal contacts that shade the cell. The project is expected to develop a new concentrator solar cell metalisation and insulation technology. The benefi ....Advanced metallisation for III-V Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems. This project aims to augment the overall electrical efficiency of concentrator photovoltaic solar systems that provide large-scale generation of cheap, clean electricity. Existing concentrator solar cells are highly efficient (>40%) but their performance is hampered by thick front-metal contacts that shade the cell. The project is expected to develop a new concentrator solar cell metalisation and insulation technology. The benefit of the project will be a direct increase in the system efficiency and simplified manufacturing of the concentrator solar receiver, which in turn reduces the cost of the concentrator power plant constructed by our Australian project partner RayGen Resources Pty Ltd.Read moreRead less
Combined optical and electrical stimulation of auditory neurons. The bionic ear, which has now helped to improve the hearing of over 200,000 people worldwide, is a great example of Australian innovation success. This project aims to develop the fundamental technology that will underpin the next generation of these devices using a combination of infrared light and electrical signals to stimulate auditory nerves.
An Integrated Systems Analysis: Fire Growth and Severity in Enclosures. An integrated systems risk-based model for fire safety has been developed and has been internationally acclaimed. A new fire severity submodel urgently needs to be developed before ramifications of the World Trade Centre catastrophe impact on fire safety regulations. Current submodels seriously misrepresent the real fires. They were developed from 1970's experiments on 2-3 metre cube-like enclosures and predict that fires ....An Integrated Systems Analysis: Fire Growth and Severity in Enclosures. An integrated systems risk-based model for fire safety has been developed and has been internationally acclaimed. A new fire severity submodel urgently needs to be developed before ramifications of the World Trade Centre catastrophe impact on fire safety regulations. Current submodels seriously misrepresent the real fires. They were developed from 1970's experiments on 2-3 metre cube-like enclosures and predict that fires engulf enclosures. Recent preliminary experiments have revealed that real fires burn locally at windows and only appear to be all engulfing. The research will lead international collaboration involving extensive experiments and some modelling to be completed in twelve months.Read moreRead less
Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. This project aims to design dental materials with reduced amalgams, using a strong but flowable composite with randomly distributed short S-glass fibres and a non-toxic natural nano-composite overlay. This alternative dental composite material is expected to meet international regulatory bodies’ intention to reduce amalgams. Using advanced phot ....Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. Flowable composite system with short S-glass fibre and halloysite nanotubes. This project aims to design dental materials with reduced amalgams, using a strong but flowable composite with randomly distributed short S-glass fibres and a non-toxic natural nano-composite overlay. This alternative dental composite material is expected to meet international regulatory bodies’ intention to reduce amalgams. Using advanced photonic and micro-mechanical techniques to make engineered material is also expected to enhance Australian manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Kesterite solar cell coated architectural stainless steel. This project aims to develop cost-effective, high-performance kesterite architectural stainless steel coated with solar cells for application in roofing, skin and facades of smart buildings. The project will integrate expertise in producing kesterite solar cells with expertise in manufacturing new steel to eliminate toxic, scarce materials and high-cost processes employed in conventional solar-driven steel. The initial target of the proj ....Kesterite solar cell coated architectural stainless steel. This project aims to develop cost-effective, high-performance kesterite architectural stainless steel coated with solar cells for application in roofing, skin and facades of smart buildings. The project will integrate expertise in producing kesterite solar cells with expertise in manufacturing new steel to eliminate toxic, scarce materials and high-cost processes employed in conventional solar-driven steel. The initial target of the project would be to increase kesterite cell efficiency to beyond 10 per cent, and ultimately beyond 17 per cent, but still at a low cost.Read moreRead less