Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modell ....Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modelling, atomic force microscopy, and a new form of spectroscopy that allows the actual deformation of nanocrystals to be measured. The fundamental scientific knowledge gained is expected to impact on the development of current and future nanodevices.Read moreRead less
Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently n ....Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently need to be resolved. These issues will be addressed through spectroscopic studies of single quantum dots both in vacuum and in condensed phases. Ultimately, the findings will guide rational design of nanoscale devices based on quantum dot luminescence.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354775
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a tra ....Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a transparent interface between the scientist and the technology. This Network will set up the communication channels within the user base, and between the users and the facility development program.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200100279
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,198.00
Summary
A nanodiamond voltage sensor: towards real-time, long-term neuronal sensing. This project aims to develop a voltage sensor that may ultimately be used to measure neuronal signals noninvasively in real-time and over hours. The project expects to generate the fundamental science needed to use nanodiamonds for fluorescence-based voltage sensing that can be easily measured using optical microscopy. The expected outcome is a biocompatible sensor that should provide a solution to one of the biggest ch ....A nanodiamond voltage sensor: towards real-time, long-term neuronal sensing. This project aims to develop a voltage sensor that may ultimately be used to measure neuronal signals noninvasively in real-time and over hours. The project expects to generate the fundamental science needed to use nanodiamonds for fluorescence-based voltage sensing that can be easily measured using optical microscopy. The expected outcome is a biocompatible sensor that should provide a solution to one of the biggest challenges in neuroscience; the fast, precise and long-term measurement of neuronal activity. This technology may one day inform our understanding of how the normal brain works and provide major insights into mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases.Read moreRead less
Geometry variation and coupling of single gold nanorods for highly efficient, one-photon and two-photon luminescent markers. The search for highly efficient, non toxic and stable luminescence markers is continuing for many applications in bio- and nano-photonics. The project's study of gold nanorod luminescence is designed to fundamentally understand and control the luminescence quantum efficiency of gold nanorod and ultimately unveil its potential as the future marker.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101665
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,000.00
Summary
Nanophotonic engineering for Petabyte 3D opto-magnetic data storage. To tackle the capacity bottleneck of current big data centres enabled by hard disk drives, this project aims to investigate an entirely new concept of petabyte 3D opto-magnetic data storage by nanophotonic engineering of the Inverse Faraday Effect (IFE) based on breakthrough achievements in 3D orientation-unlimited polarisation control and the innovative discovery of the polarisation dependent IFE. This project aims to produce ....Nanophotonic engineering for Petabyte 3D opto-magnetic data storage. To tackle the capacity bottleneck of current big data centres enabled by hard disk drives, this project aims to investigate an entirely new concept of petabyte 3D opto-magnetic data storage by nanophotonic engineering of the Inverse Faraday Effect (IFE) based on breakthrough achievements in 3D orientation-unlimited polarisation control and the innovative discovery of the polarisation dependent IFE. This project aims to produce cutting-edge opto-magnetic information technologies to revolutionise magnetic storage industries and provide a new paradigm of exabyte data centres for a sustainable future, thereby maximising Australia's competitive advantage in the emerging big data sector.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100291
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Refractive index manipulation in photonic bandgap materials for highly efficient far-field three-dimensional nonlinear nanofocusing. The project will extend our fundamental knowledge and advance the science of functional negative-index materials. The outcome will address the great challenge of nanofocusing in an integrated optical system, leading to more powerful and energy sustainable systems beneficial for the green photonics and other industries.
Nanoparticle inks for electronic applications employing nanostructured thin-films. The development of next-generation technologies requires careful engineering of materials at the nanoscale. Using nanoparticle inks, many of the engineering difficulties which exist at these length scales can be overcome, thus allowing for technologies such as thin-film solar cells to become cheaper and more efficient.