Nanophotonic metamaterials as anti-counterfeit devices in Australian banknotes. This project will demonstrate the application of novel materials as the basis for next generation security features on banknotes. Such elements play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Australia's currency since they present a significant barrier to counterfeiting.
Transformational diagnostics. Australia has established world-leading capabilities in optical fibres and surface science that, when brought together, have the potential to transform applications that require non-invasive, real-time and/or portable biological detection tools. We propose a novel and ambitious suite of projects that bring together these capabilities with experts in reproductive health, forensics and explosives to solve pressing problems in each of these areas that have the promise ....Transformational diagnostics. Australia has established world-leading capabilities in optical fibres and surface science that, when brought together, have the potential to transform applications that require non-invasive, real-time and/or portable biological detection tools. We propose a novel and ambitious suite of projects that bring together these capabilities with experts in reproductive health, forensics and explosives to solve pressing problems in each of these areas that have the promise to develop into new industries for Australia as well as to explore rich science opportunities at the boundaries of these disciplines.Read moreRead less
Early-Stage Medical Diagnostics by Plasmon-Mediated Gas Sensing. This project will investigate the use plasmonic absorption of light in metal nanostructures to activate the selective oxidation/reduction of a gas molecule on a semiconductor nanoparticle. This concept will be used with the aim of developing a sensing technique capable of measuring ultra-low concentrations (ppb) of breath markers for lung cancer detection. It is expected that porous sensing films of semiconductor and metal nanopart ....Early-Stage Medical Diagnostics by Plasmon-Mediated Gas Sensing. This project will investigate the use plasmonic absorption of light in metal nanostructures to activate the selective oxidation/reduction of a gas molecule on a semiconductor nanoparticle. This concept will be used with the aim of developing a sensing technique capable of measuring ultra-low concentrations (ppb) of breath markers for lung cancer detection. It is expected that porous sensing films of semiconductor and metal nanoparticles with well-defined light absorption properties will be fabricated. Superior selectivity will be achieved by matching the wavelength of the absorbed light with the required activation energy for oxidation/reduction. Successful outcomes will enable multi-analyte fingerprint identification by on-chip devices with applications ranging from portable medical diagnostics to national security.Read moreRead less
Vapour phase detection of chemical warfare agents. This project aims to create luminescent plastic optoelectronic materials that can detect airborne chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve agents. Such agents are often odourless and invisible at lethal concentrations, so technology must detect and identify them before exposure. The intended outcomes are design rules for sensitive and selective materials that can be used in a handheld infield detector to sense chemical warfare agents based on ....Vapour phase detection of chemical warfare agents. This project aims to create luminescent plastic optoelectronic materials that can detect airborne chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve agents. Such agents are often odourless and invisible at lethal concentrations, so technology must detect and identify them before exposure. The intended outcomes are design rules for sensitive and selective materials that can be used in a handheld infield detector to sense chemical warfare agents based on the materials’ photophysical properties, and new analytical methods and sensing protocols. This research will be of interest to security agencies in Australia and internationally, and will better protect our military.Read moreRead less
Brighter than a synchrotron mid-infrared sources for spectroscopy & sensing. This project intends to develop mid-infrared spectroscopy as a powerful diagnostic tool. Mid-infrared spectroscopy allows a light beam to determine the chemical composition of objects or gaseous samples. It has wide applicability — in fields such as medicine, agriculture, the environment, national security and industrial process control — but its use has been hampered by the lack of bright, low-cost sources and integrat ....Brighter than a synchrotron mid-infrared sources for spectroscopy & sensing. This project intends to develop mid-infrared spectroscopy as a powerful diagnostic tool. Mid-infrared spectroscopy allows a light beam to determine the chemical composition of objects or gaseous samples. It has wide applicability — in fields such as medicine, agriculture, the environment, national security and industrial process control — but its use has been hampered by the lack of bright, low-cost sources and integrated devices. This project aims to implement new Australian-made sources that exceed the brightness of even synchrotrons at modest prices. It also aims to demonstrate a single chip integrated version of such a source as the first step towards deployment of mid-infrared technology.Read moreRead less
On-chip spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for remote environments. On-chip spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for remote environments. This project aims to investigate techniques and materials for building optical spectrometers based on micromachines, usable in portable ground-based and drone-mounted applications in remote environments. Optical spectroscopy is now an accepted technique for materials detection and analysis. The advent of low-cost drone aircraft makes the potential applic ....On-chip spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for remote environments. On-chip spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for remote environments. This project aims to investigate techniques and materials for building optical spectrometers based on micromachines, usable in portable ground-based and drone-mounted applications in remote environments. Optical spectroscopy is now an accepted technique for materials detection and analysis. The advent of low-cost drone aircraft makes the potential applications of spectroscopy in an imaging form immense. The project expects the resulting low-cost and highly portable technology will transform Australian industry, including securing Australia’s food supply by improving farming practices, aiding mineral exploration, and enhancing capabilities for monitoring Australia’s coastline.Read moreRead less