High Resolution Imaging and Analysis of Embedded Interfaces and Interface Phase Transitions in Interface-Dominated Nanomaterials. Heterogeneous nanostructured materials and assemblies offer unique structure-property relationships, dominated by the internal interfaces they contain. This interdisciplinary research project will combine novel techniques based on high-resolution phase-retrieval x-ray diffraction and imaging, with complementary analytical electron microscopy and atom probe analysis, i ....High Resolution Imaging and Analysis of Embedded Interfaces and Interface Phase Transitions in Interface-Dominated Nanomaterials. Heterogeneous nanostructured materials and assemblies offer unique structure-property relationships, dominated by the internal interfaces they contain. This interdisciplinary research project will combine novel techniques based on high-resolution phase-retrieval x-ray diffraction and imaging, with complementary analytical electron microscopy and atom probe analysis, in a coordinated study of the structure and properties of embedded interfaces in strategic bi-crystals and nanostructures. It promises new techniques for the study of such defects, and a breakthrough in the understanding of the structural transitions that occur in embedded interfaces as a function of local changes in composition and temperature.Read moreRead less
Imaging surface topography using Lloyd's Mirror in photo-emission electron microscopy. The wide-ranging and innovative nature of the proposal will significantly raise Australia's international profile in condensed matter physics through high impact publications and invited presentations at major international conferences. Researchers will be trained in cutting-edge electron microscopy and synchrotron science. A spin-off company will be formed to commercialise software for reconstructing surface ....Imaging surface topography using Lloyd's Mirror in photo-emission electron microscopy. The wide-ranging and innovative nature of the proposal will significantly raise Australia's international profile in condensed matter physics through high impact publications and invited presentations at major international conferences. Researchers will be trained in cutting-edge electron microscopy and synchrotron science. A spin-off company will be formed to commercialise software for reconstructing surface topography and generating movies of dynamic events. The development of new synchrotron based electron microscopy techniques will establish the expertise for the future creation of a dedicated nanotechnology beamline equipped with photo-emission electron microscopy which will have far reaching national benefit in the physical sciences.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347797
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,000.00
Summary
A Versatile High-resolution X-ray Diffractometer for Materials Research. The aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art triple-axis x-ray diffraction facility capable of non-destructively analysing complex semiconductor materials and structures investigated by all Australian semiconductor-growing groups. Growers and device engineers will be able to control growth processes accurately and correlate device performance with structural analysis. Modern triple-axis instruments can also b ....A Versatile High-resolution X-ray Diffractometer for Materials Research. The aim of this project is to establish a state-of-the-art triple-axis x-ray diffraction facility capable of non-destructively analysing complex semiconductor materials and structures investigated by all Australian semiconductor-growing groups. Growers and device engineers will be able to control growth processes accurately and correlate device performance with structural analysis. Modern triple-axis instruments can also be used for high-resolution texture analysis and surface reflectivity measurements on numerous types of materials. Thus chemists, geologists, and materials scientists with interests outside of the semiconductor growth community will gain substantial benefit from this instrument for the investigation of materials of technological and economic importance.Read moreRead less
Quantum Dot Self-Assembly via Langmuir Decomposition. We will develop a new capability to precisely position quantum structures on surfaces in large-scale patterns, solving a key problem in nanotechnology. We expect to generate patents governing key lithographic technology which will underpin the fabrication of the next generation of devices and we anticipate the generation of spin-off companies in this area. The ability to integrate new quantum structures into optoelectronics will impact everyd ....Quantum Dot Self-Assembly via Langmuir Decomposition. We will develop a new capability to precisely position quantum structures on surfaces in large-scale patterns, solving a key problem in nanotechnology. We expect to generate patents governing key lithographic technology which will underpin the fabrication of the next generation of devices and we anticipate the generation of spin-off companies in this area. The ability to integrate new quantum structures into optoelectronics will impact everyday life from communications and lighting to environmental sensing and medical care. The project will generate key expertise and high level training for post-doctoral fellows and post-graduate students in materials physics and nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Design, analysis and application of Monte Carlo algorithms in statistical mechanics. Monte Carlo methods provide a powerful computational tool with an enormous range of applications. However when applied in statistical mechanics they typically suffer from severe critical slowing-down, so that their computational efficiency tends rapidly to zero as a critical point is approached. We will develop novel, more efficient Monte Carlo algorithms, to simulate a range of models in statistical mechanics a ....Design, analysis and application of Monte Carlo algorithms in statistical mechanics. Monte Carlo methods provide a powerful computational tool with an enormous range of applications. However when applied in statistical mechanics they typically suffer from severe critical slowing-down, so that their computational efficiency tends rapidly to zero as a critical point is approached. We will develop novel, more efficient Monte Carlo algorithms, to simulate a range of models in statistical mechanics and back this up with rigorous mathematical analysis proving that their results can be trusted.Read moreRead less
Critical behaviour of lattice models of spin systems. A common feature of complex systems is that simple, short-range forces can produce long-range effects. Lattice spin systems are paradigms of this phenomenon, and this project proposes to solve a number of outstanding and significant problems in these systems. This will enhance our understanding of complex systems in general, and key models in particular.
Interplay of Topology and Geometry in Polymeric Critical Phenomena. This project aims to develop new understanding of key topologically driven behaviour in complex polymers such as DNA. The mathematical modelling of the rich geometric behaviour of long-chain polymers and how they change their shape in response to the environment has provided a framework for our understanding of these ubiquitous molecules. Complex polymers such as ring polymers and DNA display topological properties such as knott ....Interplay of Topology and Geometry in Polymeric Critical Phenomena. This project aims to develop new understanding of key topologically driven behaviour in complex polymers such as DNA. The mathematical modelling of the rich geometric behaviour of long-chain polymers and how they change their shape in response to the environment has provided a framework for our understanding of these ubiquitous molecules. Complex polymers such as ring polymers and DNA display topological properties such as knotting and linking. Recent experiments twisting DNA demonstrate novel phenomena precipitated by the interplay of topological and geometric properties. Using advanced mathematical and computational techniques, the project aims to explain how topological constraints and changes disturb key polymer behaviour.Read moreRead less
Computational studies of soft matter. Soft matter systems such as colloidal suspensions and polymers are ubiquitous in nature, and industrially important. For colloidal systems, specifically hard spheres, this project will utilise new algorithms to attack long standing questions about the nature of the virial series. For self-avoiding walks and related models of polymers, research studies have recently developed radically improved Monte Carlo simulation algorithms. These algorithms will enable t ....Computational studies of soft matter. Soft matter systems such as colloidal suspensions and polymers are ubiquitous in nature, and industrially important. For colloidal systems, specifically hard spheres, this project will utilise new algorithms to attack long standing questions about the nature of the virial series. For self-avoiding walks and related models of polymers, research studies have recently developed radically improved Monte Carlo simulation algorithms. These algorithms will enable this project to simulate polymers which may be as long as DNA, and to calculate physical properties with unprecedented precision. The software developed for studying polymers will be released as an open source software library which will revolutionise the field of polymer simulation.Read moreRead less
Implementing large-scale solid-state quantum computation. The goal of quantum computing research is to harness the properties of quantum mechanics to build computers that are exponentially more powerful than the computers of today. Along the way, many spin-off technologies for conventional computing and nanotechnology are expected. Realising the quantum computing dream is a daunting experimental challenge requiring both theoretical assurance that it is possible in principle, and theoretical guid ....Implementing large-scale solid-state quantum computation. The goal of quantum computing research is to harness the properties of quantum mechanics to build computers that are exponentially more powerful than the computers of today. Along the way, many spin-off technologies for conventional computing and nanotechnology are expected. Realising the quantum computing dream is a daunting experimental challenge requiring both theoretical assurance that it is possible in principle, and theoretical guidance as to the best method. We seek to provide this theoretical support for solid-state systems, and broaden the range of problems that such systems are demonstrably suited to tackle.Read moreRead less
Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis using Inner-shell Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The technique of Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis (ALCHEMI) has been explored extensively using Electron Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements by many authors. The extension of this method to Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is difficult due to the more complicated formulation of inner-shell ionization required under such experimental conditions. Issues such ....Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis using Inner-shell Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The technique of Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis (ALCHEMI) has been explored extensively using Electron Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements by many authors. The extension of this method to Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is difficult due to the more complicated formulation of inner-shell ionization required under such experimental conditions. Issues such as the "delocalization" of the ionization interaction and the significance of channelling of the scattered electron need to be addressed so that this method may be generally applicable. It is the aim of this project to extend this commonly used method to the topical field of EELS.Read moreRead less