Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback ....Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback self-mixing effect, (2) a new approach for measuring LEF and C based on the proposed model, (3) signal processing algorithms for improving the performance of the proposed approach, and (4) an OFSM system prototype based on the new model and algorithms.Read moreRead less
Structure-Activity Relationships in Silicon-based Photovoltaics Through Atomic Scale Microscopy. This project aims to develop new design principles for silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs) through a comprehensive study of atomic-scale structures and phenomena in PV materials. The development of more efficient photovoltaic materials is of major global importance, given the pressing need for clean and renewable sources of energy. Australia has international leadership in developing solar cell technol ....Structure-Activity Relationships in Silicon-based Photovoltaics Through Atomic Scale Microscopy. This project aims to develop new design principles for silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs) through a comprehensive study of atomic-scale structures and phenomena in PV materials. The development of more efficient photovoltaic materials is of major global importance, given the pressing need for clean and renewable sources of energy. Australia has international leadership in developing solar cell technologies, and the ideal natural environment to exploit these technologies. The fundamental insights derived in this project, such as detailed 3D maps of dopant distributions at the atomic scale, will bolster Australia's international reputation in the field and provide better control in the design of PV devices. Read moreRead less
Astrophotonics: exploiting a new technological frontier to probe back to the Dark Ages. Photonics, a key research strength in Australia, emerged from the telecommunications industry. But this exciting field has now begun to foster new scientific disciplines. One of the most recent is astrophotonics, a field at the interface of photonics and another Australian research strength, astronomy. Astrophotonics will deliver cutting-edge technologies to ensure Australia's astronomical lead in the next de ....Astrophotonics: exploiting a new technological frontier to probe back to the Dark Ages. Photonics, a key research strength in Australia, emerged from the telecommunications industry. But this exciting field has now begun to foster new scientific disciplines. One of the most recent is astrophotonics, a field at the interface of photonics and another Australian research strength, astronomy. Astrophotonics will deliver cutting-edge technologies to ensure Australia's astronomical lead in the next decade. These new facilities will serve as a vital stepping stone to the Giant Magellan Telescope, a $500M project promising enormous economic, engineering and scientific opportunities for Australia. Astrophotonics will also lead to innovative technology transfer to fields such as medical science, optical computing and sensor technology.Read moreRead less
Gamma-ray burst astronomy in the Swift era and beyond. The study of gamma-ray bursts is one of the most active and exciting fields in astrophysics, and touches on subjects that are of interest to all humans: e.g., to what extent was life on Earth shaped by cataclysmic explosions in our Galaxy? Australia's ROTSE-III telescope is the only facility in the southern hemisphere capable of rapidly (within 10 seconds) finding optical light from gamma-ray bursts. It will provide Australian astronomers ....Gamma-ray burst astronomy in the Swift era and beyond. The study of gamma-ray bursts is one of the most active and exciting fields in astrophysics, and touches on subjects that are of interest to all humans: e.g., to what extent was life on Earth shaped by cataclysmic explosions in our Galaxy? Australia's ROTSE-III telescope is the only facility in the southern hemisphere capable of rapidly (within 10 seconds) finding optical light from gamma-ray bursts. It will provide Australian astronomers with a competitive advantage in this high-profile field. The project will involve and inspire some of our best physics and engineering students.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775546
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,000.00
Summary
Construction of the blue-arm of the ANU 2.3m telescope Wide-Field Spectrograph. The new blue and red arms of the WiFeS spectrograph on the SSO 2.3m telescope utilizes new optical techniques and advances in detector technology to provide unique capabilities for front-line research and student training. The novel integral field units on WiFeS extract spectra across the face of faint, distant galaxies enabling the dynamics of the stellar and gas content to be analysed in unprecedented detail. Anoth ....Construction of the blue-arm of the ANU 2.3m telescope Wide-Field Spectrograph. The new blue and red arms of the WiFeS spectrograph on the SSO 2.3m telescope utilizes new optical techniques and advances in detector technology to provide unique capabilities for front-line research and student training. The novel integral field units on WiFeS extract spectra across the face of faint, distant galaxies enabling the dynamics of the stellar and gas content to be analysed in unprecedented detail. Another important project will be to follow-up interesting objects discovered by the new SkyMapper telescope and establish those that need to be observed on 8 m telescopes such as Gemini, Magellan or VLT. Read moreRead less
New quantitative methods in X-ray imaging using crystal optics. This project will enhance Australian science's international leadership in the area of x-ray imaging. This powerful type of X-ray imaging, which makes use of optical elements made of perfect crystals, is specially tailored to image samples which are invisible to conventional x-ray techniques. Such "extended x-ray vision" is extremely important for imaging in medicine, biology and materials science. Furthermore, we will train x-ray s ....New quantitative methods in X-ray imaging using crystal optics. This project will enhance Australian science's international leadership in the area of x-ray imaging. This powerful type of X-ray imaging, which makes use of optical elements made of perfect crystals, is specially tailored to image samples which are invisible to conventional x-ray techniques. Such "extended x-ray vision" is extremely important for imaging in medicine, biology and materials science. Furthermore, we will train x-ray scientists of tomorrow, whose expertise will allow Australia to capitalize on its investment in the Australian Synchrotron.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453879
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,163.00
Summary
Electron beam induced deposition and ablation nanofabrication facility. Electron beam induced deposition and ablation(EBIDA) is rapidly emerging as a new technology capable of fabricating three-dimensional nanostructures on nearly any substrate with very high precision. This proposal aims to establish a nanoscale EBIDA facility by integrating a specialized nanolithography attachment with an existing state-of-the-art 1nm resolution high current variable pressure scanning electron microscope. This ....Electron beam induced deposition and ablation nanofabrication facility. Electron beam induced deposition and ablation(EBIDA) is rapidly emerging as a new technology capable of fabricating three-dimensional nanostructures on nearly any substrate with very high precision. This proposal aims to establish a nanoscale EBIDA facility by integrating a specialized nanolithography attachment with an existing state-of-the-art 1nm resolution high current variable pressure scanning electron microscope. This combination of instrumentation will enable the high-speed production of conductive and insulating structures with 1-to-10nm dimensions. The unique facility will be used to manufacture and prototype novel nanoscale devices and structures and will enable measurement of their physical and chemical properties.Read moreRead less
Development of a Novel and Quantitative Approach to Phase Imaging with Applications to Functional Nanomaterials. This project will improve and apply an innovative approach to obtaining phase information from electron microscopy images, currently being commercialised by IATIA Ltd. We will develop the approach so that it is fully quantitative, even at the nanoscale, and explore the effect of experimental parameters such as beam coherence, aberrations, specimen contamination and diffraction. We wil ....Development of a Novel and Quantitative Approach to Phase Imaging with Applications to Functional Nanomaterials. This project will improve and apply an innovative approach to obtaining phase information from electron microscopy images, currently being commercialised by IATIA Ltd. We will develop the approach so that it is fully quantitative, even at the nanoscale, and explore the effect of experimental parameters such as beam coherence, aberrations, specimen contamination and diffraction. We will apply the method to both physical and molecular nanomaterials, including a new class of self-organising molecules. Phase imaging can visualise the structures, polarities, charge and conductivity distributions in these materials and so assist in the development of new materials and devices.Read moreRead less
Protein chips for the high-throughput study of immune complexes by mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is a core enabling technology for proteomics with proteins identified by molecular weight, mass maps and sequencing within the confines of a mass spectrometer. We have found conditions under which it is possible to preserve and detect protein complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry that has promising implications for the high-throughput screening of p ....Protein chips for the high-throughput study of immune complexes by mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is a core enabling technology for proteomics with proteins identified by molecular weight, mass maps and sequencing within the confines of a mass spectrometer. We have found conditions under which it is possible to preserve and detect protein complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry that has promising implications for the high-throughput screening of protein-protein interactions. Technologies pioneered by the applicant will be advanced to achieve the high-throughput analysis of antibody complexes with native gel recovered protein antigens across emerging strains of the influenza virus by means of miniature protein chips.Read moreRead less
Room-temperature quantum microscopy for advanced nanoscale imaging. Original, inspired and most often cross-disciplinary efforts are the only way to solve some of nature's most obscure mysteries. Successful development of high-resolution quantum microscopy will lead to a range of benefits for the community and the nation; from graduate student training in cutting edge technology, building links between academic, industry and government groups to providing new insights and approaches into diseas ....Room-temperature quantum microscopy for advanced nanoscale imaging. Original, inspired and most often cross-disciplinary efforts are the only way to solve some of nature's most obscure mysteries. Successful development of high-resolution quantum microscopy will lead to a range of benefits for the community and the nation; from graduate student training in cutting edge technology, building links between academic, industry and government groups to providing new insights and approaches into disease identification and therapy. This project aims to demonstrate a world-first in imaging sensitivity, and success will directly enhance Australia's global reputation as a leader in innovation and collaboration. Read moreRead less