Investigating Near-Threshold Atomic and Molecular Collision Processes with Multiparameter Detection Techniques. We are proposing to perform state-of-the-art, electron impact excitation and ionization measurements on a range of atoms and molecules. The combination of new detector technology and innovative experimental design will enable measurements of near-threshold excitation and ionization in a number of important atomic and molecular systems. The measurements will have implications for the ....Investigating Near-Threshold Atomic and Molecular Collision Processes with Multiparameter Detection Techniques. We are proposing to perform state-of-the-art, electron impact excitation and ionization measurements on a range of atoms and molecules. The combination of new detector technology and innovative experimental design will enable measurements of near-threshold excitation and ionization in a number of important atomic and molecular systems. The measurements will have implications for the further development of atomic scattering theory, particularly the role of electron-electron correlations, and provide much needed absolute scattering information on the excitation of molecules which are of relevance to our atmosphere and various technological devices.Read moreRead less
Multiple atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical ....Multiple atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical and experimental tools with the aim of understanding how the electron correlation interplays with the superstrong electromagnetic field. This will provide insight into fundamental processes of interaction of intense laser pulses with matter which are important in a wide range of applications.Read moreRead less
Positron processes - From Basic to Applied Science. Australian scientists are at the forefront of international activities in atomic and molecular physics and materials science research. This program will expand the level of expertise in an emerging field that has importance in both these areas - the use of positron beams. Australia is developing a new and exciting capacity for positron research through the National Positron Beamline Facility. Scientists in this collaboration will work with o ....Positron processes - From Basic to Applied Science. Australian scientists are at the forefront of international activities in atomic and molecular physics and materials science research. This program will expand the level of expertise in an emerging field that has importance in both these areas - the use of positron beams. Australia is developing a new and exciting capacity for positron research through the National Positron Beamline Facility. Scientists in this collaboration will work with other outstanding, international research groups in the field of positron studies to stimulate new directions for their research. The international links, and the novel capabilities of the new Australian Facility, will enable our researchers to fully exploit this new field of research.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
Ionization and excitation of excited helium atoms. Our ability to improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices based around discharge technology relies upon our ability to model and quantify the energy-exchange processes which drive them. Our research will highlight the nature of highly-excited helium atoms and the way they interact with their environment. The purpose of our work is twofold; firstly to provide stringent tests to theory to enhance our understanding of mechanisms ....Ionization and excitation of excited helium atoms. Our ability to improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices based around discharge technology relies upon our ability to model and quantify the energy-exchange processes which drive them. Our research will highlight the nature of highly-excited helium atoms and the way they interact with their environment. The purpose of our work is twofold; firstly to provide stringent tests to theory to enhance our understanding of mechanisms driving discharge-based devices and secondly, to provide benchmark reaction rates which can be used in the modeling of discharge-based devices to improve their performance.Read moreRead less
Understanding the chemistry and evolution of planets and their atmospheres: Integrating experiments, observations, and quantum mechanical models. Ongoing changes in the Earth's atmosphere, demonstrate the need to understand photochemical processes and their role in atmospheric evolution. The proposed research will increase our understanding of the evolution of planetary atmospheres, with concomitant insight into the Earth's evolution. This proposal will greatly enhance the visibility of Australi ....Understanding the chemistry and evolution of planets and their atmospheres: Integrating experiments, observations, and quantum mechanical models. Ongoing changes in the Earth's atmosphere, demonstrate the need to understand photochemical processes and their role in atmospheric evolution. The proposed research will increase our understanding of the evolution of planetary atmospheres, with concomitant insight into the Earth's evolution. This proposal will greatly enhance the visibility of Australian research, through formal, direct connections to NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) planetary exploration missions, along with publications in Nature, Science, and/or PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) that will likely result from the high-profile problems to be studied. Furthermore, as a result of this collaboration, Australian students and postdoctoral researchers will benefit from interactions with top international scientists.Read moreRead less