Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560818
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$154,000.00
Summary
A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1 ....A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1) to study the physics of single synthetic polymer and naturally occuring biopolymer chains, (2) to quantify experimentally, and for the first time, newly predicted molecular-scale forces, and (3) to demonstrate new theories in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics that quantitatively describe the operation of nanomachines. Read moreRead less
Adaptive optical devices by microstructuring of nanocomposite materials. This project will develop novel nanocomposite materials and use them to fabricate adaptive optical devices designed and fabricated using innovative methods. Specifically, we will develop and characterise transparent composite materials comprising a dispersion of nano-sized inclusions within a polymer host. The properties of these materials will be tailored to allow fabrication of adaptive optical devices (e.g. tunable filte ....Adaptive optical devices by microstructuring of nanocomposite materials. This project will develop novel nanocomposite materials and use them to fabricate adaptive optical devices designed and fabricated using innovative methods. Specifically, we will develop and characterise transparent composite materials comprising a dispersion of nano-sized inclusions within a polymer host. The properties of these materials will be tailored to allow fabrication of adaptive optical devices (e.g. tunable filters and optical switches), which will be key components in future high-performance optical systems. Inverse scattering design methods will be extended to design two-dimensional bandgap devices which will be fabricated by microstructuring of the composite polymer materials.Read moreRead less
Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: p ....Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: polymer materials, microstructured polymer fibres (mPOF) and nanoparticles. This project will build on our existing success in developing mPOF, and create major new opportunities, both in fundamental science and in applications that could and would be commercialised.Read moreRead less