Recoil spectroscopy of metastable nuclei far from stability. A unique recoil spectrometer has been developed with a sensitivity superior to competing international devices. It will be used to study the decay of long-lived states in neutron-deficient nuclei. The resulting ability to determine the quantum numbers of nuclear excited states will provide important information to test theories of nuclear matter.
Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory: Dark matter detector development. This project aims to develop ultra-sensitive detector technology essential for SABRE, a Northern and Southern Hemisphere dual-detector experiment. The SABRE facilities operate to directly detect galactic dark matter. Dark matter makes up 23% of the observable universe but the evidence for its existence is indirect. The direct detection of dark matter would be a discovery on par with gravitational waves and the Higgs boson. ....Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory: Dark matter detector development. This project aims to develop ultra-sensitive detector technology essential for SABRE, a Northern and Southern Hemisphere dual-detector experiment. The SABRE facilities operate to directly detect galactic dark matter. Dark matter makes up 23% of the observable universe but the evidence for its existence is indirect. The direct detection of dark matter would be a discovery on par with gravitational waves and the Higgs boson. This project is an opportunity for Australian research to continue to lead the way in the biggest scientific discoveries of the century and provides opportunities for Australian science in numerous fields ranging from biology to fundamental physics.Read moreRead less
Pure and applied nuclear structure research with radioactive ion beams at Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU). The structure of exotic neutron-rich nuclei will be investigated at the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) radioactive ion beam facility using new and novel detector systems. The results will enhance our fundamental understanding of the atomic nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis as well as provide important data for the development of next generation nuclear reactor ....Pure and applied nuclear structure research with radioactive ion beams at Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU). The structure of exotic neutron-rich nuclei will be investigated at the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) radioactive ion beam facility using new and novel detector systems. The results will enhance our fundamental understanding of the atomic nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis as well as provide important data for the development of next generation nuclear reactors.Read moreRead less
New directions for nuclear structure research in Australia. Studies of exotic nuclei far from stability with novel devices will support Australia's only top-level research effort in nuclear structure. The research will have fundamental impacts on our understanding of both the nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis, as well as practical implications for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL110100098
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,750,752.00
Summary
Frontiers of reaction dynamics for new generation accelerator science. Innovative concepts and new Australian capabilities will be combined to understand reactions of exotic isotopes. This will underpin applications of next generation international rare isotope accelerators to advance many areas of physics, medical science and future energy technologies. The project strengthens national capacity in a strategic area.
Leading a coordinated international approach to understand the zeptosecond physics of superheavy element formation. Unique Australian experimental developments and concepts, to track the zeptosecond dynamics of fusion forming superheavy elements, have revealed unexpectedly strong quantum effects. The impact of these insights is attracting world-leaders in this vigorous field to collaborate with us. Leading an ambitious coordinated program of experiments in Australia and at big international faci ....Leading a coordinated international approach to understand the zeptosecond physics of superheavy element formation. Unique Australian experimental developments and concepts, to track the zeptosecond dynamics of fusion forming superheavy elements, have revealed unexpectedly strong quantum effects. The impact of these insights is attracting world-leaders in this vigorous field to collaborate with us. Leading an ambitious coordinated program of experiments in Australia and at big international facilities, and driving theoretical developments, this project will pin down the dynamics of heavy element formation. This will be a high-profile outcome from recent investment in Australian accelerators. Mapping out future opportunities at worldwide billion dollar accelerator developments will secure a strong Australian engagement and benefit from these massive investments.Read moreRead less
From coherent to dissipative dynamics in complex quantum systems: opening a new window through nuclear fusion. The new ideas and precision measurement technologies in the project will enhance the reputation of Australian research in the fundamental subjects of quantum tunnelling and nuclear fusion. The cutting-edge work, and its international linkages, provides outstanding training in quantum and nuclear science of national and international significance.
Creating superheavy elements and isotopes. This project aims to measure properties, probabilities and timescales of competing quasifission processes, by combining Australian accelerator and detector capabilities with exotic radioactive targets. In 2015, nuclear fusion created superheavy elements with atomic numbers 113 to 118. The race is now on to create elements 119 and 120, as their production and properties should pin down the location of the predicted superheavy Island of Stability, but 3-f ....Creating superheavy elements and isotopes. This project aims to measure properties, probabilities and timescales of competing quasifission processes, by combining Australian accelerator and detector capabilities with exotic radioactive targets. In 2015, nuclear fusion created superheavy elements with atomic numbers 113 to 118. The race is now on to create elements 119 and 120, as their production and properties should pin down the location of the predicted superheavy Island of Stability, but 3-fragment quasifission is a major impediment to their formation. This project will evaluate quassification processes on the nuclear reactions proposed to form new superheavy elements and is expected to identify the best reactions for their discovery. The synthesis of new elements tests quantum physics, relativistic chemistry and element creation in the cosmos, and offers high profile returns on investments.Read moreRead less