Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989915
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,000.00
Summary
X-ray Nano-scale Coherence Facility. Australia is rapidly developing into a world leader for x-ray imaging. This position has been supported by leading research groups and more recently by the development of the Australian Synchrotron. This project will fill a vital missing link in the experimental capability of Australian researchers - a flexible facility that can provide a nanoscale x-ray source. This enhanced capability will lead to new developments in coherent imaging methods. These new meth ....X-ray Nano-scale Coherence Facility. Australia is rapidly developing into a world leader for x-ray imaging. This position has been supported by leading research groups and more recently by the development of the Australian Synchrotron. This project will fill a vital missing link in the experimental capability of Australian researchers - a flexible facility that can provide a nanoscale x-ray source. This enhanced capability will lead to new developments in coherent imaging methods. These new methods will be used in the study of biological systems, leading to better drug design as well as in the study of materials, leading to stronger and lighter components. Read moreRead less
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989747
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
Ultrafast Dynamics Measurement Facility for the Physical, Biochemical, and Materials Sciences. The term "ultrafast revolution" describes the transformations in science due to ultrafast laser technology. Today, ultrafast lasers are used in surgery, nanomaterial fabrication, biomedical imaging, spectroscopic investigations, and new applications are still emerging. This facility will draw together leading chemists, physicists, and engineers to investigate key ultrafast processes and phenomena in th ....Ultrafast Dynamics Measurement Facility for the Physical, Biochemical, and Materials Sciences. The term "ultrafast revolution" describes the transformations in science due to ultrafast laser technology. Today, ultrafast lasers are used in surgery, nanomaterial fabrication, biomedical imaging, spectroscopic investigations, and new applications are still emerging. This facility will draw together leading chemists, physicists, and engineers to investigate key ultrafast processes and phenomena in the physical, biochemical and material sciences. This is of strategic importance to keep Australia at the global forefront for scientific endeavours, supporting new research and commercial opportunities. This facility will also produce highly trained graduates, who will find employment in industry throughout Australia and globally.Read moreRead less
Dynamic Force Microscopy of small molecular assemblies. The possibility of manipulating a single molecule seems at first unreal, indeed 5 years ago it was pure science fiction. Through the gaining popularity of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) many perspectives about the molecular world are changing. Macroscopic effects such as adhesion and lubrication are now discussed in light of measurements made with this instrument. Newer work includes the observation of single protein unfolding experim ....Dynamic Force Microscopy of small molecular assemblies. The possibility of manipulating a single molecule seems at first unreal, indeed 5 years ago it was pure science fiction. Through the gaining popularity of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) many perspectives about the molecular world are changing. Macroscopic effects such as adhesion and lubrication are now discussed in light of measurements made with this instrument. Newer work includes the observation of single protein unfolding experiments. The biophysics oriented project detailed in this application will extend the AFM: into multi-molecular systems formed by self-assembly, such as cell membranes; into polyelectrolyte-surface interactions; and, finally into the sequencing of DNA.Read moreRead less
Characterising Nuclei Far from Stability With a Novel Recoil Spectrometer. A high sensitivity detector system for use in conjuction with a superconducting solenoidal transporter will be developed for gamma-ray and conversion spectroscopy of neutron-deficient nuclei. The technology will be optimised for near-symmetric heavy ion reactions and applied initially to the characterisation of shape co-existence in the light lead isotopes. These provide a major testing ground for the development of mean- ....Characterising Nuclei Far from Stability With a Novel Recoil Spectrometer. A high sensitivity detector system for use in conjuction with a superconducting solenoidal transporter will be developed for gamma-ray and conversion spectroscopy of neutron-deficient nuclei. The technology will be optimised for near-symmetric heavy ion reactions and applied initially to the characterisation of shape co-existence in the light lead isotopes. These provide a major testing ground for the development of mean-field theories used to predict the stability of heavy nuclei.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0668019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,000.00
Summary
An Advanced Computed Tomography Facility - high capacity and high resolution for dynamic studies in porous and granular materials. Characterising complex materials in 3D is an emerging discipline which is driving design concepts for new materials and assists in understanding properties of real world materials. The ANU/UNSW collaboration has developed an internationally recognized program in this emerging discipline and successfully applied the technology to applications in the oil and gas indust ....An Advanced Computed Tomography Facility - high capacity and high resolution for dynamic studies in porous and granular materials. Characterising complex materials in 3D is an emerging discipline which is driving design concepts for new materials and assists in understanding properties of real world materials. The ANU/UNSW collaboration has developed an internationally recognized program in this emerging discipline and successfully applied the technology to applications in the oil and gas industry, groundwater remediation, tissue engineering, medical diagnosis of osteoporosis, granular packing and the design of new materials. The present application will give the collaboration the ability to study a larger number of systems and to image the dynamics of materials in 3D. This will significantly broaden the impact and scope of the applications of this new technology.Read moreRead less
The Evolution of Gas in Galaxy Groups. The evolution of gas in galaxy groups is poorly understood, but is crucial to understanding galaxy evolution. This project provides a training opportunity for a talented postdoc to conduct the first `multiwavelength census' of southern galaxy groups, perform simulations and make predictions of group properties at early times. We will better understand the evolutionary processes in groups and provide a `local anchor' for future surveys. The knowledge gained ....The Evolution of Gas in Galaxy Groups. The evolution of gas in galaxy groups is poorly understood, but is crucial to understanding galaxy evolution. This project provides a training opportunity for a talented postdoc to conduct the first `multiwavelength census' of southern galaxy groups, perform simulations and make predictions of group properties at early times. We will better understand the evolutionary processes in groups and provide a `local anchor' for future surveys. The knowledge gained will feed directly into the design of the future Square Kilometre Array, and raise Australia's profile in this $1B project. We exploit Australia's best astronomical facilities, and establish a new University-CSIRO collaboration.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0236657
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,000.00
Summary
Renewed Great Melbourne Telescope: Opening a Window on the Universe. We propose to refurbish the Great Melbourne Telescope (GMT) located at Mount Stromlo Observatory with a new state-of-the-art imager. This instrument will be available to the entire Australian Astronomical community, and will allow Australian researchers to undertake cutting edge research with this world leading two colour wide field imager. A fully automated observing and data reduction pipeline, a world first for a telescope o ....Renewed Great Melbourne Telescope: Opening a Window on the Universe. We propose to refurbish the Great Melbourne Telescope (GMT) located at Mount Stromlo Observatory with a new state-of-the-art imager. This instrument will be available to the entire Australian Astronomical community, and will allow Australian researchers to undertake cutting edge research with this world leading two colour wide field imager. A fully automated observing and data reduction pipeline, a world first for a telescope of this size, means astronomers can work on their data, analyzing everything from the Solar System, to the most distant objects in the Universe, rather than spending night after night at the telescope.Read moreRead less
Illuminating the Universe with Exploding Stars. We are using Exploding Stars (Supernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts) to measure fundamental properties of the Universe. We use Type Ia Supernovaeto trace the Expansion History of the Universe and learn about the nature of the Dark Energy which currently dominates the Universe. We use Gamma Ray Bursts to illuminate the gas in and around galaxies to measure the chemical composition and structure of the Early Universe.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882778
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,224.00
Summary
Water vapour radiometers for millimetre-wave phase correction for the Australia Telescope. Australia has a tradition of excellence in astronomy. Inspired by wonder about the cosmos, it stimulates public interest in science, so leading to the training of highly skilled graduates. In turn, this drives the development of technologies needed to pursue the science. The nation has invested in the technology for millimetre-wave astronomy, building the first interferometer in our hemisphere. This equipm ....Water vapour radiometers for millimetre-wave phase correction for the Australia Telescope. Australia has a tradition of excellence in astronomy. Inspired by wonder about the cosmos, it stimulates public interest in science, so leading to the training of highly skilled graduates. In turn, this drives the development of technologies needed to pursue the science. The nation has invested in the technology for millimetre-wave astronomy, building the first interferometer in our hemisphere. This equipment will capitalise on this investment, extending the capabilities of the Australia Telescope to maintain it as a front line instrument, attracting the best scientists here to use it. This will help nurture a vigorous radio-science community, one able to actively participate in the billion-dollar investment being made internationally in the field.Read moreRead less