Studies of turbulence and coherent structures in quasi two-dimensional plasmas and fluids. One of the most celebrated but least understood complex systems in nature is turbulent flow. This cross-disciplinary project aims to contribute to basic scientific knowledge of a class of turbulent flows, known as quasi two-dimensional fluids, that typically exhibit self-organizing properties, stable sheared flow, and relatively weak dissipation. The significance lies in the proposed testing, by modelling ....Studies of turbulence and coherent structures in quasi two-dimensional plasmas and fluids. One of the most celebrated but least understood complex systems in nature is turbulent flow. This cross-disciplinary project aims to contribute to basic scientific knowledge of a class of turbulent flows, known as quasi two-dimensional fluids, that typically exhibit self-organizing properties, stable sheared flow, and relatively weak dissipation. The significance lies in the proposed testing, by modelling and simulation studies, of the well-grounded hypothesis that suppression of turbulence by sheared flow is a universal phenomenon in such fluids, and that it can be exploited to control transport of fluid constituents. Applications of this new knowledge will be developed.Read moreRead less
Physics of extreme brightness temperatures in radioastronomical sources. Pulsars and some quasars are so very bright that the conventional explanation for radioastronomical emission from other sources either does not apply to them, or presents unsolved problems. We see (in radio waves) these sources through the interstellar medium which acts like a wrinkled pane of glass in distorting the image. New scientific ideas and methodologies are proposed here and will be explored in the project, with th ....Physics of extreme brightness temperatures in radioastronomical sources. Pulsars and some quasars are so very bright that the conventional explanation for radioastronomical emission from other sources either does not apply to them, or presents unsolved problems. We see (in radio waves) these sources through the interstellar medium which acts like a wrinkled pane of glass in distorting the image. New scientific ideas and methodologies are proposed here and will be explored in the project, with the objective to understand these sources and to extract information on their propreties and those of the interstellar medium. Read moreRead less
Interstellar Gas Dynamics. The conversion of interstellar gas into stars is a key process in the life-history of galaxies and the formation of planetary systems. Star formation takes place within a heterogeneous, dynamic cloud, and entails a million-fold contraction controlled by a complex interplay between gravity, magnetic forces, ionisation balance, chemical reactions and particles of interstellar dust. Previous modelling has adopted inappropriate approximations for the evolution of the mag ....Interstellar Gas Dynamics. The conversion of interstellar gas into stars is a key process in the life-history of galaxies and the formation of planetary systems. Star formation takes place within a heterogeneous, dynamic cloud, and entails a million-fold contraction controlled by a complex interplay between gravity, magnetic forces, ionisation balance, chemical reactions and particles of interstellar dust. Previous modelling has adopted inappropriate approximations for the evolution of the magnetic field. This research will bring a rigorous treatment of magnetic diffusion to bear on the theory of cloud evolution, shock waves, star formation and protoplanetary discs.
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
Revealing the mechanism of heavy ion stopping at high energies. Several fundamental aspects of heavy ion stopping in matter, which is important for many technological and medical applications, are not understood. This includes the charge dependence of ion stopping known as Barkas effect, the Bloch-contribution to the stopping cross-section, and charge exchange processes. In contrast to other studies, the use of crystalline materials with well-defined atom locations and the application of new sop ....Revealing the mechanism of heavy ion stopping at high energies. Several fundamental aspects of heavy ion stopping in matter, which is important for many technological and medical applications, are not understood. This includes the charge dependence of ion stopping known as Barkas effect, the Bloch-contribution to the stopping cross-section, and charge exchange processes. In contrast to other studies, the use of crystalline materials with well-defined atom locations and the application of new sophisticated models will allow the separation of these related phenomena, so that they can be studied individually. This will reveal details of the physical mechanisms governing the energy dissipation by fast heavy ions in matter.
Read moreRead less
Many-body quantum effects in the physics of ultracold atoms. The project will advance the fundamental research in quantum atom optics by exploring the mysterious many-body quantum phenomena in the systems of ultracold atoms. It will therefore contribute into the fundamental knowledge base that underpins future quantum technologies based on manipulating and utilizing the systems of ultracold atoms. The project will also further Australia's international competitive ability in fundamental research ....Many-body quantum effects in the physics of ultracold atoms. The project will advance the fundamental research in quantum atom optics by exploring the mysterious many-body quantum phenomena in the systems of ultracold atoms. It will therefore contribute into the fundamental knowledge base that underpins future quantum technologies based on manipulating and utilizing the systems of ultracold atoms. The project will also further Australia's international competitive ability in fundamental research and strengthen its reputation in the field of quantum atom optics.Read moreRead less
Feedback Processes in Galaxy Formation. We have an opportunity to combine the best Australian theory with the best local and international telescopes, to probe the murky story of how galaxies form and why they look they way they do today. By looking back to a time when the Universe was only 1 billion years old, and comparing what we see with cutting edge supercomputer simulations plus pure theory, we will gain insight into the birth of entire galaxies. The results will form part of the study o ....Feedback Processes in Galaxy Formation. We have an opportunity to combine the best Australian theory with the best local and international telescopes, to probe the murky story of how galaxies form and why they look they way they do today. By looking back to a time when the Universe was only 1 billion years old, and comparing what we see with cutting edge supercomputer simulations plus pure theory, we will gain insight into the birth of entire galaxies. The results will form part of the study of how the universe works - that is driving astrophysics today, and represents pure research for the sake of advancing knowledge and showing us where we fit into the Universe. In doing so we will also advance Australia's base of theoretical and computational expertise.Read moreRead less
Development of new membrane-electrode assemblies for low temperature fuel cells. New electrodes and electrolytes for low temperature fuel cells will herald in a new epoch in the hydrogen economy for Australia. The IP developed in this project will form the basis for new transportation systems that do not lead to chemical pollution in Australia's cities. The new materials and processing techniques will lead to cheaper and more efficient fuel cells, allowing their use in portable computers, small ....Development of new membrane-electrode assemblies for low temperature fuel cells. New electrodes and electrolytes for low temperature fuel cells will herald in a new epoch in the hydrogen economy for Australia. The IP developed in this project will form the basis for new transportation systems that do not lead to chemical pollution in Australia's cities. The new materials and processing techniques will lead to cheaper and more efficient fuel cells, allowing their use in portable computers, small electrical appliances, public transport and in private cars in about ten years. Read moreRead less
Dust Physics: a Challenge in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. This proposal is highly relevant to development of the electricity-producing fusion power plants. The outcomes will contribute to the achievement of greater control, predictability, and cost efficiency of fusion reactors operation. The project falls within the " An Environmentally Sustainable Australia " research priority and will contribute to development of widely available energy source with essentially unlimited ....Dust Physics: a Challenge in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. This proposal is highly relevant to development of the electricity-producing fusion power plants. The outcomes will contribute to the achievement of greater control, predictability, and cost efficiency of fusion reactors operation. The project falls within the " An Environmentally Sustainable Australia " research priority and will contribute to development of widely available energy source with essentially unlimited supply and manageable environmental impact. Read moreRead less
Superfluid helium nanodroplet spectroscopy. Molecules trapped in a helium nanodroplet find themselves in an ultracold liquid environment from which they cannot escape. As such, the molecules are forced to interact and this is studied at a resolution that is unrivaled in condensed phase spectroscopy. This technique will be used to create new materials and study the dynamics behind a large range of chemical processes. The results are expected to lead to a greater understanding of condensed phase c ....Superfluid helium nanodroplet spectroscopy. Molecules trapped in a helium nanodroplet find themselves in an ultracold liquid environment from which they cannot escape. As such, the molecules are forced to interact and this is studied at a resolution that is unrivaled in condensed phase spectroscopy. This technique will be used to create new materials and study the dynamics behind a large range of chemical processes. The results are expected to lead to a greater understanding of condensed phase chemistry and chemical reactions in general.Read moreRead less