Single atom defined nanostructures: atom-electronics beyond the miniaturization limit. The emerging era of atom-electronics promises to revolutionise microelectronics in the 21st century by going beyond the conventional miniaturization limit of microelectronics. Emerging atom level fabrication and control techniques offer the promise of building devices whose fundamental components are built atom-by-atom and function under completely new rules. This Discovery Project will apply critical new theo ....Single atom defined nanostructures: atom-electronics beyond the miniaturization limit. The emerging era of atom-electronics promises to revolutionise microelectronics in the 21st century by going beyond the conventional miniaturization limit of microelectronics. Emerging atom level fabrication and control techniques offer the promise of building devices whose fundamental components are built atom-by-atom and function under completely new rules. This Discovery Project will apply critical new theoretical tools, in partnership with leading experimental groups, to enable the exploration of this technology and the creation of new and innovative applications which will have far reaching implications in all areas of society and significant national benefit.Read moreRead less
Braiding Dynamics of Majorana Modes. The project aims to investigate Majorana modes, exotic quantum particles which can be found in the new material class of Topological Superconductivity. In particular, they can be utilised to construct fault-tolerant quantum bits. Quantum logic gates are enabled by moving these Majorana modes around each other, i.e., by braiding them, leading to an error-free quantum performance. This project will deliver cutting-edge simulations to analyse the braiding proces ....Braiding Dynamics of Majorana Modes. The project aims to investigate Majorana modes, exotic quantum particles which can be found in the new material class of Topological Superconductivity. In particular, they can be utilised to construct fault-tolerant quantum bits. Quantum logic gates are enabled by moving these Majorana modes around each other, i.e., by braiding them, leading to an error-free quantum performance. This project will deliver cutting-edge simulations to analyse the braiding process in condensed matter systems and benchmark how these fault-tolerant quantum bits operate under real-world conditions. By providing the theory for advanced structures and devices, this project will inform experiments and pave the way for future technology based on topological phenomena.Read moreRead less
Imaging surface topography using Lloyd's Mirror in photo-emission electron microscopy. The wide-ranging and innovative nature of the proposal will significantly raise Australia's international profile in condensed matter physics through high impact publications and invited presentations at major international conferences. Researchers will be trained in cutting-edge electron microscopy and synchrotron science. A spin-off company will be formed to commercialise software for reconstructing surface ....Imaging surface topography using Lloyd's Mirror in photo-emission electron microscopy. The wide-ranging and innovative nature of the proposal will significantly raise Australia's international profile in condensed matter physics through high impact publications and invited presentations at major international conferences. Researchers will be trained in cutting-edge electron microscopy and synchrotron science. A spin-off company will be formed to commercialise software for reconstructing surface topography and generating movies of dynamic events. The development of new synchrotron based electron microscopy techniques will establish the expertise for the future creation of a dedicated nanotechnology beamline equipped with photo-emission electron microscopy which will have far reaching national benefit in the physical sciences.Read moreRead less
Quantum Dot Self-Assembly via Langmuir Decomposition. We will develop a new capability to precisely position quantum structures on surfaces in large-scale patterns, solving a key problem in nanotechnology. We expect to generate patents governing key lithographic technology which will underpin the fabrication of the next generation of devices and we anticipate the generation of spin-off companies in this area. The ability to integrate new quantum structures into optoelectronics will impact everyd ....Quantum Dot Self-Assembly via Langmuir Decomposition. We will develop a new capability to precisely position quantum structures on surfaces in large-scale patterns, solving a key problem in nanotechnology. We expect to generate patents governing key lithographic technology which will underpin the fabrication of the next generation of devices and we anticipate the generation of spin-off companies in this area. The ability to integrate new quantum structures into optoelectronics will impact everyday life from communications and lighting to environmental sensing and medical care. The project will generate key expertise and high level training for post-doctoral fellows and post-graduate students in materials physics and nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Quantum Design of Majorana Modes in Magnet-Superconductor Hybrid Systems. This project will identify magnet-superconductor hybrid structures which feature topological superconductivity, a new material class which promises to revolutionise future technology. By performing cutting-edge transport calculations, this project will also predict signatures of topological superconductors for ongoing and future experiments. Expected outcomes of this project include identification of suitable candidate mat ....Quantum Design of Majorana Modes in Magnet-Superconductor Hybrid Systems. This project will identify magnet-superconductor hybrid structures which feature topological superconductivity, a new material class which promises to revolutionise future technology. By performing cutting-edge transport calculations, this project will also predict signatures of topological superconductors for ongoing and future experiments. Expected outcomes of this project include identification of suitable candidate materials and protocols for the quantum design of prototype devices. By providing the theory of advanced structures and devices, this project will inform experiments and pave the way for future technology based on topological phenomena.Read moreRead less
Applying advanced synchrotron radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between the geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. As the dimensions of nanocrystals become small unique optical and electronic properties are observed, forming the basis of many new technologies. The properties of interest depend on the fine-scale, local details of the nanocrystal structure, which may differ considerably from bulk-like. Advanced synchrotron radiation techniques wil ....Applying advanced synchrotron radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between the geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. As the dimensions of nanocrystals become small unique optical and electronic properties are observed, forming the basis of many new technologies. The properties of interest depend on the fine-scale, local details of the nanocrystal structure, which may differ considerably from bulk-like. Advanced synchrotron radiation techniques will be used to investigate the relationship between the local geometric and electronic structure of semiconductor nanocrystals. Insight will be provided to their formation and stability, and the important mechanisms of their unique optical and electronic properties will be identified. Such fundamental information is necessary to facilitate innovative application of future nanocrystal technology.Read moreRead less
Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis using Inner-shell Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The technique of Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis (ALCHEMI) has been explored extensively using Electron Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements by many authors. The extension of this method to Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is difficult due to the more complicated formulation of inner-shell ionization required under such experimental conditions. Issues such ....Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis using Inner-shell Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The technique of Atom Location by Channelling Enhanced Microanalysis (ALCHEMI) has been explored extensively using Electron Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements by many authors. The extension of this method to Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is difficult due to the more complicated formulation of inner-shell ionization required under such experimental conditions. Issues such as the "delocalization" of the ionization interaction and the significance of channelling of the scattered electron need to be addressed so that this method may be generally applicable. It is the aim of this project to extend this commonly used method to the topical field of EELS.Read moreRead less
The phase and inverse scattering problem for electrons multiply scattered by non-periodic solids. Theoretical methods for the inversion of multiple scattering of electrons in non-periodic solids will be obtained. This will vastly extend the range of utility of atomic resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography, where single scattering conditions are usually assumed. We will further develop our recent novel solutions to the phase problem from images and diffraction patterns (needed as ....The phase and inverse scattering problem for electrons multiply scattered by non-periodic solids. Theoretical methods for the inversion of multiple scattering of electrons in non-periodic solids will be obtained. This will vastly extend the range of utility of atomic resolution electron microscopy and electron tomography, where single scattering conditions are usually assumed. We will further develop our recent novel solutions to the phase problem from images and diffraction patterns (needed as a prelude to the inversion) that are robust in the presence of discontinuities in the phase (such as vortices). These phase retrieval methods will be useful not only for problems in electron optics but also in visible, x-ray, neutron and atom optics.Read moreRead less
Atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy. This project will enhance Australia's reputation in atomic resolution imaging, positioning Australia as a major contributor to significant world research outcomes in the physical sciences. It contributes to the quality of our culture through the advancement of knowledge through the solution of problems of high scientific merit, provides training at the postdoctoral level and will produce several PhD graduates of the highest quality. This project streng ....Atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy. This project will enhance Australia's reputation in atomic resolution imaging, positioning Australia as a major contributor to significant world research outcomes in the physical sciences. It contributes to the quality of our culture through the advancement of knowledge through the solution of problems of high scientific merit, provides training at the postdoctoral level and will produce several PhD graduates of the highest quality. This project strengthens collaborative international links with one of the worlds leading research facilities located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The potential practical applications of this work should lead to direct economic benefits to Australia.Read moreRead less
Imaging in three dimensions beyond the nanoscale. After two decades of research the first wave of applications in nanotechnology and nanobiology is breaking. The economic stakes are high: nanostructured electronics and photonics will be the next epoch after transistors (1947) and the microprocessor (1971), and designer therapies and drugs will be in high demand. Immediately key to further progress in both areas is the ability to characterize structure in three dimensions at and beyond the nanosc ....Imaging in three dimensions beyond the nanoscale. After two decades of research the first wave of applications in nanotechnology and nanobiology is breaking. The economic stakes are high: nanostructured electronics and photonics will be the next epoch after transistors (1947) and the microprocessor (1971), and designer therapies and drugs will be in high demand. Immediately key to further progress in both areas is the ability to characterize structure in three dimensions at and beyond the nanoscale. This research project places Australia at the forefront in this endeavour, builds on the national knowledge and skills base in atomic resolution imaging and expands international collaborative research links.Read moreRead less