Decoherence and Quantum Simulations of Spin-Environment systems. The effort to develop quantum technologies relies on our ability to understand and manipulate quantum mechanical objects with great precision. In order to do this, we need to study how such systems interact with their surroundings. Solid-state quantum systems connected to an environment show a rich range of phenomena, such as quantum phase transitions, which are interesting in their own right. This work will better enable experi ....Decoherence and Quantum Simulations of Spin-Environment systems. The effort to develop quantum technologies relies on our ability to understand and manipulate quantum mechanical objects with great precision. In order to do this, we need to study how such systems interact with their surroundings. Solid-state quantum systems connected to an environment show a rich range of phenomena, such as quantum phase transitions, which are interesting in their own right. This work will better enable experimentalists to develop the techniques required for the future of quantum technology.Read moreRead less
The stability of unsteady fluid flows in channels and pipes. The main benefit from this project will be a better theoretical understanding of the stability properties of unsteady fluid flows. The theoretical results obtained would help guide future experimental
investigations into the paths to turbulence in unsteady flows and would be a basis for future research in the increasingly important area of flow stability control. The project will also provide advanced training and skills transfer in a ....The stability of unsteady fluid flows in channels and pipes. The main benefit from this project will be a better theoretical understanding of the stability properties of unsteady fluid flows. The theoretical results obtained would help guide future experimental
investigations into the paths to turbulence in unsteady flows and would be a basis for future research in the increasingly important area of flow stability control. The project will also provide advanced training and skills transfer in an important area of fluid mechanics research.
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Advanced numerical and analytical techniques for exact studies in combinatorics and statistical mechanics. Exactly solved models are of immense importance in all areas of the theoretical sciences and play important roles in our understanding of complex natural and social phenomena. This project aims to develop powerful new methods that will enable mathematicians and physicists to greatly expand the types of models for which we can find a solution.
Design, analysis and application of Monte Carlo algorithms in statistical mechanics. Monte Carlo methods provide a powerful computational tool with an enormous range of applications. However when applied in statistical mechanics they typically suffer from severe critical slowing-down, so that their computational efficiency tends rapidly to zero as a critical point is approached. We will develop novel, more efficient Monte Carlo algorithms, to simulate a range of models in statistical mechanics a ....Design, analysis and application of Monte Carlo algorithms in statistical mechanics. Monte Carlo methods provide a powerful computational tool with an enormous range of applications. However when applied in statistical mechanics they typically suffer from severe critical slowing-down, so that their computational efficiency tends rapidly to zero as a critical point is approached. We will develop novel, more efficient Monte Carlo algorithms, to simulate a range of models in statistical mechanics and back this up with rigorous mathematical analysis proving that their results can be trusted.Read moreRead less
Yield strength and plastic flow of heterogeneous materials: Designing optimal composites and porous materials. A major goal of materials science is to design materials with improved functionality at lower weight, cost and size. It is important to guide this expensive and time-consuming process with sophisticated computer modelling. In this project we aim to model how and why composite and porous materials fail when they are placed under stress. Our results will make materials design more efficie ....Yield strength and plastic flow of heterogeneous materials: Designing optimal composites and porous materials. A major goal of materials science is to design materials with improved functionality at lower weight, cost and size. It is important to guide this expensive and time-consuming process with sophisticated computer modelling. In this project we aim to model how and why composite and porous materials fail when they are placed under stress. Our results will make materials design more efficient by providing a valuable experimental interpretive tool and a theoretical map for material optimization. Our models will also provide crucial information needed for modelling the behavior of composites in applications.Read moreRead less
Proximity effects and new correlated phases in closely spaced quantum electronic devices. The aim of this project is to understand the interactions between quantum electronic devices when they are brought into close proximity. A detailed knowledge of these interactions and how to control them is important both for conintued miniaturisation in the semiconductor industry, and for the fundamental understanding of new quantum ground states. To achieve these goals new coupled device designs will be e ....Proximity effects and new correlated phases in closely spaced quantum electronic devices. The aim of this project is to understand the interactions between quantum electronic devices when they are brought into close proximity. A detailed knowledge of these interactions and how to control them is important both for conintued miniaturisation in the semiconductor industry, and for the fundamental understanding of new quantum ground states. To achieve these goals new coupled device designs will be engineered in collaboration with NTT's Basic Research Laboratories in Japan. Theses novel devices will be used to study fundamental correlations in quantum semiconductor systems, with the possibility of forming new correlated states of matter such as electron-hole superfluids.Read moreRead less
Integrable Systems in Gauge and String Theories. Gauge theory describes all quantum forces except gravity. String theory aims to describe quantum gravity. Both theories are widely believed to be different limits of one unknown theory. Discoveries of integrable nonlinear partial differential equations and integrable quantum systems in gauge/string theories are among the most remarkable recent developments in mathematical physics. They have led to deep results in known gauge/string theories, as we ....Integrable Systems in Gauge and String Theories. Gauge theory describes all quantum forces except gravity. String theory aims to describe quantum gravity. Both theories are widely believed to be different limits of one unknown theory. Discoveries of integrable nonlinear partial differential equations and integrable quantum systems in gauge/string theories are among the most remarkable recent developments in mathematical physics. They have led to deep results in known gauge/string theories, as well as to viable paths towards the unknown theory that interpolates them. This project contributes to these developments by adapting and developing sophisticated technical tools and insights from integrable models to shed light on that unknown theory that transcends the gauge/string gap. Read moreRead less
Spin-liquids, antiferromagnetism, and superconductivity in organic charge transfer salts: synthesis, neutron scattering and theory. Materials have driven the digital revolution. Understanding and controlling silicon has allowed us to make smaller devices that perform better; an iPhone has more computing power than a PC had ten years ago. For this remarkable trend to continue future devices will need to utilise novel physics and be made from new materials. We will grow crystals of organic molecul ....Spin-liquids, antiferromagnetism, and superconductivity in organic charge transfer salts: synthesis, neutron scattering and theory. Materials have driven the digital revolution. Understanding and controlling silicon has allowed us to make smaller devices that perform better; an iPhone has more computing power than a PC had ten years ago. For this remarkable trend to continue future devices will need to utilise novel physics and be made from new materials. We will grow crystals of organic molecules, whose properties derive from the correlated motion of the electrons in these materials. State-of-the-art 'neutron scattering' experiments will test theories of the way the electrons behave in these materials. We will answer fundamental questions, which is an important first step towards harnessing such effects for future technology.Read moreRead less
Modelling quantum dynamics of electronic excited states in complex molecular materials. Understanding new materials that are the basis of new sources of renewable energy sources represents a major scientific challenge. Many of these materials are composed of large organic molecules containing hundreds of atoms. Their properties and the concepts needed to understand these materials are distinctly different from semiconductors such as silicon. This research will enhance our ability to design bett ....Modelling quantum dynamics of electronic excited states in complex molecular materials. Understanding new materials that are the basis of new sources of renewable energy sources represents a major scientific challenge. Many of these materials are composed of large organic molecules containing hundreds of atoms. Their properties and the concepts needed to understand these materials are distinctly different from semiconductors such as silicon. This research will enhance our ability to design better materials and optimize the performance of organic solar cells and LEDs. Australia's capacity for research and development in this scientifically challenging and technologically important field will be enhanced by this project. Read moreRead less
The mathematics and physics of interacting systems. Much of the world around us involves the networked interaction between a large number of components. For example, such complex networks may be physical, biological, social or technical in nature and represent connections between magnetic spins, species, people or computers. This Project will provide a firm theoretical foundation for such complex interacting systems through an investigation of the fascinating mathematics and physics behind them. ....The mathematics and physics of interacting systems. Much of the world around us involves the networked interaction between a large number of components. For example, such complex networks may be physical, biological, social or technical in nature and represent connections between magnetic spins, species, people or computers. This Project will provide a firm theoretical foundation for such complex interacting systems through an investigation of the fascinating mathematics and physics behind them. This perspective from mathematical physics, in particular using the tools of statistical mechanics, will lead to a better understanding of many real-world complex systems.Read moreRead less