Bright x-ray beams from laser-driven microplasmas. This project aims to develop a new generation of bright, laser-like x-ray sources for laboratory use. X-ray sources underpin key diagnostic techniques in materials science, advancing applications from structural engineering through to ore processing and energy storage. However, the limited brightness of present-day laboratory x-ray sources restricts the utility and range of these diagnostic techniques. This research intends to use intense lasers ....Bright x-ray beams from laser-driven microplasmas. This project aims to develop a new generation of bright, laser-like x-ray sources for laboratory use. X-ray sources underpin key diagnostic techniques in materials science, advancing applications from structural engineering through to ore processing and energy storage. However, the limited brightness of present-day laboratory x-ray sources restricts the utility and range of these diagnostic techniques. This research intends to use intense lasers to create microscopic plasmas and drive high harmonic generation. The high harmonic generation process is already used to create laser-like ultraviolet light. By optimising the characteristics of the plasma medium, the project aims to extend bright high harmonic generation to the x-ray regime.Read moreRead less
Engineering the strength and consolidation of reclaimed soft soil. Engineering the strength and consolidation of reclaimed soft soil. This project aims to strengthen reclaimed soft soils by controlled desiccation. Soft soil is a significant engineering challenge for many industry sectors in Australia and worldwide. The disposal of dredged soft soil is costly and time-consuming, and failure of soft mine tailings is an environmental catastrophe that can cause loss of life and interrupt mining prod ....Engineering the strength and consolidation of reclaimed soft soil. Engineering the strength and consolidation of reclaimed soft soil. This project aims to strengthen reclaimed soft soils by controlled desiccation. Soft soil is a significant engineering challenge for many industry sectors in Australia and worldwide. The disposal of dredged soft soil is costly and time-consuming, and failure of soft mine tailings is an environmental catastrophe that can cause loss of life and interrupt mining production. This project will research the underlying processes of material behaviour, by developing new electromagnetic measurement and modelling methods to predict material strengths at the micro and macro scales during desiccation. The new approach is expected to lead to innovative solutions to bearing capacity and settlement problems associated with soft soils.Read moreRead less