Structure of Exotic Neutron-Rich Nuclei Populated Using Novel Reaction Mechanisms. Over half of the nuclei believed to be stable to particle decay have not been studied due to the lack of available nuclear reactions. We have played a leading role in developing innovative techniques using incomplete-fusion and deep-inelastic reactions to access neutron-rich nuclei that were inaccessible prior to this work. This project aims to study new phenomena in exotic, neutron-rich nuclei, building on Aust ....Structure of Exotic Neutron-Rich Nuclei Populated Using Novel Reaction Mechanisms. Over half of the nuclei believed to be stable to particle decay have not been studied due to the lack of available nuclear reactions. We have played a leading role in developing innovative techniques using incomplete-fusion and deep-inelastic reactions to access neutron-rich nuclei that were inaccessible prior to this work. This project aims to study new phenomena in exotic, neutron-rich nuclei, building on Australia's existing investment in this area, and, through international scientific leadership, facilitating the access of Australian researchers to highly competitive overseas facilities.Read moreRead less
Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a no ....Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a novel method known as SAFE (Stable Aggregate of Flexible Elements) which is a compromise between geometrical and physical optics. Applying this model to micromachining and optical data storage (ODS), which need high beam quality (low divergence and good focussibility), enable accurate predictive capability critical to the optimisation of micromachining and ODS designs.Read moreRead less
Ultrafast photonic hammer: A new strategy to synthesise super-dense super-hard nanomaterials. We will develop a new way for laboratory synthesis of new classes of super-hard and super-dense materials at and above the extremely high temperature and density range currently accessible only in nuclear explosions. The ability of ultra-fast laser-induced phase transformations will be exploited aiming to form materials with exotic properties, which are theoretically predicted, but has not experimental ....Ultrafast photonic hammer: A new strategy to synthesise super-dense super-hard nanomaterials. We will develop a new way for laboratory synthesis of new classes of super-hard and super-dense materials at and above the extremely high temperature and density range currently accessible only in nuclear explosions. The ability of ultra-fast laser-induced phase transformations will be exploited aiming to form materials with exotic properties, which are theoretically predicted, but has not experimentally confirmed yet. Our new approach will have a profound interdisciplinary impact. The project will deliver underpinning knowledge, foremost practical expertise, and the prominent training of young researchers to secure Australia's international position among the leaders in the rapidly growing and competitive field of nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Nanoclusters with Extraordinary Properties Made out of Ordinary Materials. Ultrafast laser deposition - a process pioneered by the Applicants - has already demonstrated record yields in the production of carbon-based nano-clustered materials with better control over the size of the nano-particles than any other process. This project aims to improve fundamental understanding of the ultra-fast laser deposition method of nano-fabrication through theoretical and experimental studies, which accurate ....Nanoclusters with Extraordinary Properties Made out of Ordinary Materials. Ultrafast laser deposition - a process pioneered by the Applicants - has already demonstrated record yields in the production of carbon-based nano-clustered materials with better control over the size of the nano-particles than any other process. This project aims to improve fundamental understanding of the ultra-fast laser deposition method of nano-fabrication through theoretical and experimental studies, which accurately correlate the ablation conditions to the structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of resulting nano-particles. The results will be applied to efficiently produce nano-clustered materials with tuneable properties for a wide range of new technologies such as spintronics, biophotonics, and nanoclinics.Read moreRead less
Visualizing spin-related properties of functional nanostructures (for spintronics). This project contributes to undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral research and training to encourage the pursuit of excellence, with:
- increased depth of knowledge in interdisciplinary research,
- a scientific environment providing access to research not otherwise in Australia,
- experience in the design, construction and development of scientific instruments.
Possible applications include high-speed ....Visualizing spin-related properties of functional nanostructures (for spintronics). This project contributes to undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral research and training to encourage the pursuit of excellence, with:
- increased depth of knowledge in interdisciplinary research,
- a scientific environment providing access to research not otherwise in Australia,
- experience in the design, construction and development of scientific instruments.
Possible applications include high-speed magnetic filters, sensors, quantum transistors and spin qubits for quantum computers. The technological aspects of our project's outcomes offer real prospects of local development. The development of spin-polarized electron spectroscopy has great potential for existing applications in the surface science industry.
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Nonlocal Statistical Mechanics and Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory. Australia has an enviable track record as an innovator and developer of advanced materials. This project in strategic basic research consists of theoretical work within the disciplines of statistical mechanics and conformal field theory to determine the profound role of nonlocal interactions, such as connectivities, in determining the critical physical properties of materials. Connectivities play a significant role in diverse ....Nonlocal Statistical Mechanics and Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory. Australia has an enviable track record as an innovator and developer of advanced materials. This project in strategic basic research consists of theoretical work within the disciplines of statistical mechanics and conformal field theory to determine the profound role of nonlocal interactions, such as connectivities, in determining the critical physical properties of materials. Connectivities play a significant role in diverse applications such as the gelation of polymers, random fuse networks, the spatial spread of epidemics and bushfires and the tertiary recovery of oil. This research will be practically useful in engineering the physical properties of advanced materials such as liquid crystals, gels, polymers and other materials.Read moreRead less
Exact solution of generalized models of polymers and percolation in two dimensions. Originating with the work of Rodney Baxter, Australia is the world leader in exactly solvable lattice models in two dimensions. This project, in strategic basic research, aims to continue this tradition and extend it by solving exactly new classes of two-dimensional lattice models involving nonlocal degrees of freedom. Since this will lead to new universal classes of thermodynamic behaviours for a diverse range o ....Exact solution of generalized models of polymers and percolation in two dimensions. Originating with the work of Rodney Baxter, Australia is the world leader in exactly solvable lattice models in two dimensions. This project, in strategic basic research, aims to continue this tradition and extend it by solving exactly new classes of two-dimensional lattice models involving nonlocal degrees of freedom. Since this will lead to new universal classes of thermodynamic behaviours for a diverse range of polymer-like systems, the potential for exploitation and commercialization is almost limitless. Potential applications include percolation of contaminants through aquifers, the spatial spread of epidemics and bushfires, the tertiary recovery of oil and filtering drinking water.Read moreRead less
Synchrotron radiation techniques applied to melting and resolidification at a nanometric scale. By delivering underpinning knowledge of melting characteristics of nanoparticles, the proposal seeks results that can lead to breakthrough applications in advanced materials engineering. Measurements of the liquid nanoparticle structure performed at the Australian Synchrotron are unprecedented and are thus likely to include the development of new methodology. National and international exposure of Aus ....Synchrotron radiation techniques applied to melting and resolidification at a nanometric scale. By delivering underpinning knowledge of melting characteristics of nanoparticles, the proposal seeks results that can lead to breakthrough applications in advanced materials engineering. Measurements of the liquid nanoparticle structure performed at the Australian Synchrotron are unprecedented and are thus likely to include the development of new methodology. National and international exposure of Australian science and the Australian Synchrotron will have both scientific and economic ramifications. Involvement of students will contribute to developing the local synchrotron knowledge base and is beneficial to the Australian synchrotron-research community as a whole.Read moreRead less
Dual wavelength quantum dot light detectors. This project aims to develop technologies to fabricate advanced electronic materials based on gallium antimonide (GaSb), to explore their physics and use them in improved optoelectronic devices.
GaSb technology is in its infancy, therefore basic and applied research is needed to utilise these materials to their full potential for long wavelength photonic devices with unique promise in military and civilian applications: fire detection, missile and ....Dual wavelength quantum dot light detectors. This project aims to develop technologies to fabricate advanced electronic materials based on gallium antimonide (GaSb), to explore their physics and use them in improved optoelectronic devices.
GaSb technology is in its infancy, therefore basic and applied research is needed to utilise these materials to their full potential for long wavelength photonic devices with unique promise in military and civilian applications: fire detection, missile and surveillance systems, environmental monitoring, biology and medicine.
As an outcome, growth protocols for innovative device structures will be established, the structures' behaviour assessed and device fabrication and characterisation carried out and reported.
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Scaling-up microstructured fibres for terahertz radiation. Terahertz radiation is the last region of the electromagnetic spectrum to be fully utilised. Many applications have been identified but their practicality has been limited by a lack of low-loss flexible waveguides. The waveguides to be developed in this project will build on Australia's existing international lead and investments in photonics as well as extend the dynamic field of microstructured optical fibres, indentified as the 'futur ....Scaling-up microstructured fibres for terahertz radiation. Terahertz radiation is the last region of the electromagnetic spectrum to be fully utilised. Many applications have been identified but their practicality has been limited by a lack of low-loss flexible waveguides. The waveguides to be developed in this project will build on Australia's existing international lead and investments in photonics as well as extend the dynamic field of microstructured optical fibres, indentified as the 'future' of optical fibres. Low-loss flexible waveguides will enable imaging and spectroscopy applications that can reveal and object's internal structure and composition. This will have immediate applications in security, quality control, medical imaging and other safety or industrial applications.Read moreRead less