Photonic structures for high efficiency, low cost solar cells. Photovoltaics is a non-polluting, environmentally sustainable way of converting sunlight directly to electricity. The reduction of cost is the most important issue in photovoltaic solar energy conversion. This project will lead to the development of solar cell structures and techniques that have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of thin film solar cells, which are the major contender for the lowest cost photovoltaic te ....Photonic structures for high efficiency, low cost solar cells. Photovoltaics is a non-polluting, environmentally sustainable way of converting sunlight directly to electricity. The reduction of cost is the most important issue in photovoltaic solar energy conversion. This project will lead to the development of solar cell structures and techniques that have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of thin film solar cells, which are the major contender for the lowest cost photovoltaic technology. If the cost of photovoltaics was sufficiently reduced it could have a major impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in Australia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560683
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,953.00
Summary
A furnace stack for advanced photovoltaic, photonic and microfabrication applications. Advanced silicon photovoltaic, photonic, optoelectronic and micro-electromechanical devices require state of the art processing equipment for the deposition of thin dielectric films and for controlled doping of the devices. Key techniques include the deposition of stoichiometric and silicon rich silicon nitride and silicon dioxide films, and the controlled wafer doping with boron and phosphorus. A state of the ....A furnace stack for advanced photovoltaic, photonic and microfabrication applications. Advanced silicon photovoltaic, photonic, optoelectronic and micro-electromechanical devices require state of the art processing equipment for the deposition of thin dielectric films and for controlled doping of the devices. Key techniques include the deposition of stoichiometric and silicon rich silicon nitride and silicon dioxide films, and the controlled wafer doping with boron and phosphorus. A state of the art furnace stack is to be procured which will satisfy these requirements on industrially relevant wafer sizes up to 150mm. The equipment will support a broad range of research projects in the above fields, ranging from fundamental investigations to applied research carried out in collaboration with industry partners.Read moreRead less
High efficiency III-V solar cells based on low-dimensional quantum confined heterostructures. There is no doubt that clean and sustainable solar energy is one of the most viable energy sources to address the issues of climate change, global warming and depletion of conventional energy sources. With the great advantages offered by quantum confined nanostructures and nanotechnology, this project may lead to substantial efficiency improvement of current III-V solar cells (already higher efficiency ....High efficiency III-V solar cells based on low-dimensional quantum confined heterostructures. There is no doubt that clean and sustainable solar energy is one of the most viable energy sources to address the issues of climate change, global warming and depletion of conventional energy sources. With the great advantages offered by quantum confined nanostructures and nanotechnology, this project may lead to substantial efficiency improvement of current III-V solar cells (already higher efficiency than Si solar cells), making great contribution to the society and Nation in the areas of science, technology, environment, and economy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100805
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Radioisotope-powered Parallel Electron Lithography for High-throughput Nano-manufacturing. This project aims to realise rapid fabrication of controllable nano-devices over large areas with high throughput and low cost. The lack of large-size (greater than four inch) mask and ultra-low dose resist are the fundamental challenges for high-throughput radioisotope-powered parallel electron nano-lithography (RIPEL) systems. This project aims to realise a large-size RIPEL mask by using the ultra-light ....Radioisotope-powered Parallel Electron Lithography for High-throughput Nano-manufacturing. This project aims to realise rapid fabrication of controllable nano-devices over large areas with high throughput and low cost. The lack of large-size (greater than four inch) mask and ultra-low dose resist are the fundamental challenges for high-throughput radioisotope-powered parallel electron nano-lithography (RIPEL) systems. This project aims to realise a large-size RIPEL mask by using the ultra-light supporting material aerographite that has a state-of-the-art ratio value of Young's modulus to cubic density. It will also develop a new inorganic nanoparticle resist with ultra-low dose. These building blocks will enhance RIPEL's throughput by four orders of magnitude. The project will contribute to making processors or solid state storage cheaper and more efficient.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100048
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,000.00
Summary
Nanoscale optical microscopy facility. The optical microscope has enabled us to see micro-objects, leading to revolutionary discoveries in medicine and natural sciences. However, the smallest object resolved by a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light. To see nanoscale objects smaller than the wavelength, a new tool for nano-imaging is needed. This project will establish a nanoscale optical microscopy facility that will reveal the topology and true colours of the nano-objects. Such inf ....Nanoscale optical microscopy facility. The optical microscope has enabled us to see micro-objects, leading to revolutionary discoveries in medicine and natural sciences. However, the smallest object resolved by a microscope is limited by the wavelength of light. To see nanoscale objects smaller than the wavelength, a new tool for nano-imaging is needed. This project will establish a nanoscale optical microscopy facility that will reveal the topology and true colours of the nano-objects. Such information, achieved through spectroscopic analysis of the light emitted or scattered at the nanoscale, will uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the nanoworld, leading to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and important industrial applications in photonics and solar energy.Read moreRead less
Nanofabrication of Metamaterials for Next Generation Optical Devices. The dream of invisibility cloaks dates back to ancient times but recent advances in nanotechnology have made this a reality through the use of metamaterials. Metamaterials are artificially-made materials that have optical properties not found in nature. This field is still in its infancy and significant challenges remain and need to be solved before practical applications can be realised. This project builds on Australia’s str ....Nanofabrication of Metamaterials for Next Generation Optical Devices. The dream of invisibility cloaks dates back to ancient times but recent advances in nanotechnology have made this a reality through the use of metamaterials. Metamaterials are artificially-made materials that have optical properties not found in nature. This field is still in its infancy and significant challenges remain and need to be solved before practical applications can be realised. This project builds on Australia’s strategic investment in nanofabrication capabilities to fabricate functional metamaterials and uncover the underlying physical phenomena. It will revolutionise the field of nanophotonics for a variety of novel applications ranging from defence, renewable energy, imaging, sensing to optical communications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100084
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,020.00
Summary
Flexible Flame Aerosol Synthesis Technology. Funding is requested to establish a world-leading fabrication facility for nanostructured materials via flame synthesis. This is a scalable fabrication route used for industrial production of most nanoparticle commodities. The aim is to advance current capabilities by providing control over the reaction environment and flame reaction sources. This will extend the range of feasible materials from the current metal oxides to a broad family of nitrides, ....Flexible Flame Aerosol Synthesis Technology. Funding is requested to establish a world-leading fabrication facility for nanostructured materials via flame synthesis. This is a scalable fabrication route used for industrial production of most nanoparticle commodities. The aim is to advance current capabilities by providing control over the reaction environment and flame reaction sources. This will extend the range of feasible materials from the current metal oxides to a broad family of nitrides, sulphides, and metal-organic frameworks, enabling the engineering of electrocatalysts, optoelectronic- and bio-materials. Benefits are expected in terms of fundamental and applied knowledge generation, with impact to the Australian industry sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Energy and Health.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100147
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Advanced ultrasonic spray deposition system for large area solar cells fabrication. Low cost, low carbon forms of power generation are required to enable Australia to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional solar cells are manufactured using high cost, low volume production methods which will in future be complemented by the introduction of low cost, high volume printed organic solar cells. Spray deposition of active materials will allow the formation of active solar cells on many n ....Advanced ultrasonic spray deposition system for large area solar cells fabrication. Low cost, low carbon forms of power generation are required to enable Australia to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional solar cells are manufactured using high cost, low volume production methods which will in future be complemented by the introduction of low cost, high volume printed organic solar cells. Spray deposition of active materials will allow the formation of active solar cells on many new materials, thus opening up new ways of using solar cells and hence new markets or export opportunities. The research is aimed at delivering a local research-driven industry which is export-oriented, thus assisting Australia to reach its carbon reduction targets.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101264
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors: breaking the energy density limit. Novel electrodes will be nano-architectured by using ultralong single-walled carbon nanotube arrays and transition metal oxides to produce next-generation supercapacitors. The outcomes will lead to unprecedented energy densities in energy storage devices for sustainable future energy solutions.
A fundamental study of electronic transport in advanced semiconductor nanostructures. The principal aim of this project is to attract and retain very high calibre early career researchers by providing them with the best-available infrastructure and research environment, combined with world-class supervision and mentoring. The project brings together an outstanding team of international collaborators, who will work with the early career researchers to ensure that they are trained and mentored at ....A fundamental study of electronic transport in advanced semiconductor nanostructures. The principal aim of this project is to attract and retain very high calibre early career researchers by providing them with the best-available infrastructure and research environment, combined with world-class supervision and mentoring. The project brings together an outstanding team of international collaborators, who will work with the early career researchers to ensure that they are trained and mentored at an international level. The new science, novel characterisation methods, and theoretical models that are outcomes of this project will provide new opportunities and expertise to advance the strategic defence and national security interests of Australia, and the emerging Australian semiconductor device and solar cell industry. Read moreRead less