Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astro ....Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astrophysical sources. This project will involve sophisticated event reconstruction and analysis techniques, which take advantage of Auger's unique combination of huge collecting power and good control of systematic uncertainties.Read moreRead less
Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the ....Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the condition to fabricate biological devices such as immune sensors.Read moreRead less
Cumulenes and Heterocumulenes - Stellar Molecules and New Materials. This project involves the formation and characterisation of transient neutrals (formed in the mass spectrometer by neutralisation of charged precursor ions) which are either found in stellar dust clouds, or related molecules which may be either potential stellar molecules or have importance in the development of new materials. This work may lead to a better understanding of how biomolecules are formed in interstellar environs. ....Cumulenes and Heterocumulenes - Stellar Molecules and New Materials. This project involves the formation and characterisation of transient neutrals (formed in the mass spectrometer by neutralisation of charged precursor ions) which are either found in stellar dust clouds, or related molecules which may be either potential stellar molecules or have importance in the development of new materials. This work may lead to a better understanding of how biomolecules are formed in interstellar environs. The Adelaide and Berlin groups are internationally known, already with ongoing collaboration. This application seeks to extend the scope of this world-class research, and to train the premier graduate students in astrochemistry.Read moreRead less
Studying Molecular Dynamics with Electron and Laser Interactions. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies to probe the dynamics of molecular processes stimulated by either laser or electron interactions. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of both natural phenomena and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. As a result of this study our insight into the mechanisms underpining these phenomena and devices will be enhanced.
Laboratory and Field Testing of a Leak Detection Technique Using Fluid Transients. A major problem in fluid pipelines and pipe networks is undetected leakage. This research collaboration will develop new approaches that will enable systematic leak detection using advanced numerical modelling and inverse techniques with the ultimate goal of implementing these leak detection methods in practice. In addition to the numerical model development, an extensive series of laboratory experiments will be u ....Laboratory and Field Testing of a Leak Detection Technique Using Fluid Transients. A major problem in fluid pipelines and pipe networks is undetected leakage. This research collaboration will develop new approaches that will enable systematic leak detection using advanced numerical modelling and inverse techniques with the ultimate goal of implementing these leak detection methods in practice. In addition to the numerical model development, an extensive series of laboratory experiments will be undertaken by researchers from both universities using the laboratory facilities in Adelaide to verify and extend the new approaches. The researchers will conduct similar experiments under field conditions on much larger pipe systems in Toronto and generally in Canada.Read moreRead less
Environmental and Technological Applications of Electron-Driven Processes. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies for the measurement of collision cross sections and reaction rates for low energy electron-driven process in molecules and molecular radicals. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of our environment and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. In particular we will provide accurate cross sections for NOx and SO ....Environmental and Technological Applications of Electron-Driven Processes. We plan to use state-of-the-art experimental techniques and methodologies for the measurement of collision cross sections and reaction rates for low energy electron-driven process in molecules and molecular radicals. These processes are fundamental to our understanding of our environment and many devices used in the technology of today and of the future. In particular we will provide accurate cross sections for NOx and SOx pollutants and H2O, as well for molecules such as C4F8, and its radicals such as CF2, which are used extensively in plasma processing technologies.Read moreRead less
Collision data for lighting industry and plasma modeling. The project's primary aim is to progress the design of more efficient
and environmentally friendly light sources. Given the number of light
sources in use worldwide even a small improvement in the efficiency
could lead to enormous benefits to society via reduction of energy
consumption. Design of new mercury-free light sources will eliminate a
major neuro-toxin pollution source. Collaboration with research groups
at the OSRAM-SYLVA ....Collision data for lighting industry and plasma modeling. The project's primary aim is to progress the design of more efficient
and environmentally friendly light sources. Given the number of light
sources in use worldwide even a small improvement in the efficiency
could lead to enormous benefits to society via reduction of energy
consumption. Design of new mercury-free light sources will eliminate a
major neuro-toxin pollution source. Collaboration with research groups
at the OSRAM-SYLVANIA Corporation (USA) and Sheffield University (UK)
will herald the beginning of industrial application for our successful
atomic collisions research program. The previous substantial ARC
investment towards this fundamental science program has now enabled
practical application.Read moreRead less
Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significan ....Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significantly improved chemical resistance and corrosion stability. A viable procedure for the making of polymer imprints from the metal surfaces will be developed. This will form the basis of a new method for cheap fabrication of various superhydrophobic surfaces with large areas and specific functionality.Read moreRead less
Advances in Nonperturbative Studies of Subatomic Physics. Fundamental research into physics always leads to unpredictable technological breakthroughs. Fundamental physics research has led to the development of transistors, world wide web, carbon dating, cancer treatments, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, satellites and many applications too numerous to mention. The collaboration will allow Australia access to technologies, research infrastructure, expertise and intellectual knowledge that ....Advances in Nonperturbative Studies of Subatomic Physics. Fundamental research into physics always leads to unpredictable technological breakthroughs. Fundamental physics research has led to the development of transistors, world wide web, carbon dating, cancer treatments, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, satellites and many applications too numerous to mention. The collaboration will allow Australia access to technologies, research infrastructure, expertise and intellectual knowledge that wouldn't be available otherwise. This will enable Australian institutions to pursue breakthrough science, to develop frontier technologies and to have a great impact in the international scientific community. It will also provide advance training in simulation and high-performance computing to postgraduates and research associates.Read moreRead less
Synthetic and theoretical studies of metal complexes containing carbon-rich ligands. Previous studies in my group, in conjunction with synthetic and theoretical chemistry groups at the Université de Rennes 1, France, have delineated the properties of a series of complexes containing carbon chains linking two metal centres. Having achieved a partial understanding of the features which result in good electronic communication between the metal centres via the carbon chain, the present proposal see ....Synthetic and theoretical studies of metal complexes containing carbon-rich ligands. Previous studies in my group, in conjunction with synthetic and theoretical chemistry groups at the Université de Rennes 1, France, have delineated the properties of a series of complexes containing carbon chains linking two metal centres. Having achieved a partial understanding of the features which result in good electronic communication between the metal centres via the carbon chain, the present proposal seeks to extend this collaboration to further studies which will generate related compounds in which actual eletron exchange can occur, i.e. leading to oxidation/reduction, by using compounds in which two or more different metal centres are present. This may lead to development of nano devices, e.g. molecular-scale switches. If one of the centres is activated by light, a photo-active sensor may result.Read moreRead less