Micro-electromechanical technology for harnessing terahertz waves. This project proposes novel low-cost miniature devices for spectral, spatial and temporal manipulation of terahertz waves realised using a unified platform based on a single material and fabrication technology sufficiently generic to span the entire very broad terahertz band. It inherently overcomes the most hindering issue of current terahertz instruments relating to the limited span of the spectrum each tool can cover and the h ....Micro-electromechanical technology for harnessing terahertz waves. This project proposes novel low-cost miniature devices for spectral, spatial and temporal manipulation of terahertz waves realised using a unified platform based on a single material and fabrication technology sufficiently generic to span the entire very broad terahertz band. It inherently overcomes the most hindering issue of current terahertz instruments relating to the limited span of the spectrum each tool can cover and the high costs associated with increasing this span; removing the need for making spectral band compromises in the design of future tools. The intended outcome is a platform for terahertz spectroscopic imaging, target recognition, detection of chemical composition of objects, and future high-bandwidth communications.Read moreRead less
Engineering nanomembranes for Long-term Implanted Flexible Electronics. This project aims to investigate the key technologies of inorganic semiconductor nanomembranes for long-lived bio-integrated electronics. Taking advantage of the well-established silicon carbide (SiC) synthesis and fabrication technology, the project expects to elucidate a new understanding of the SiC-on-polymer platform, establishing a foundational guideline for the development of chemically inert and mechanically flexible ....Engineering nanomembranes for Long-term Implanted Flexible Electronics. This project aims to investigate the key technologies of inorganic semiconductor nanomembranes for long-lived bio-integrated electronics. Taking advantage of the well-established silicon carbide (SiC) synthesis and fabrication technology, the project expects to elucidate a new understanding of the SiC-on-polymer platform, establishing a foundational guideline for the development of chemically inert and mechanically flexible devices. These findings will offer innovative solutions for daunting challenges in bio-integrated electronics, leveraging their safety, reliability, and long-term performance. The project expects to offer Australia cutting edge technologies and an impact profile in the fast-growing flexible bio-electronics market.Read moreRead less
A New Nano Tip Fabrication Technique for Atomic Force Microscopy. This project aims to develop a new fabrication technique for high-aspect-ratio (long and sharp) tips for atomic force microscopy. The technique is expected to overcome the current fabrication limitation, that is fabricating one tip at a time which is unsuitable for batch fabrication. The proposed technique can be scaled up to mass produce nano tips. The technique is expected to create new commercial products and intellectual prope ....A New Nano Tip Fabrication Technique for Atomic Force Microscopy. This project aims to develop a new fabrication technique for high-aspect-ratio (long and sharp) tips for atomic force microscopy. The technique is expected to overcome the current fabrication limitation, that is fabricating one tip at a time which is unsuitable for batch fabrication. The proposed technique can be scaled up to mass produce nano tips. The technique is expected to create new commercial products and intellectual property. This innovation will lead to the emergence of breakthrough technologies in nanofabrication and nanomaterials synthesis. The benefits to Australia include new job opportunities and the development of local expertise in the field.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100408
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,411.00
Summary
Advancing bioelectronics with silicon carbide on microfluidics. Flexible bioelectronics is an emerging technology for real-time monitoring of vital signals on skin and in the body. Microfluidics is a technology for fluid handling in microscale. This project aims to develop the first platform technology with both flexible bioelectronics and microfluidics for enhanced sensing, thermal management and actuation. The project is expected to establish new fundamental knowledge in sensitivity boosting m ....Advancing bioelectronics with silicon carbide on microfluidics. Flexible bioelectronics is an emerging technology for real-time monitoring of vital signals on skin and in the body. Microfluidics is a technology for fluid handling in microscale. This project aims to develop the first platform technology with both flexible bioelectronics and microfluidics for enhanced sensing, thermal management and actuation. The project is expected to establish new fundamental knowledge in sensitivity boosting mechanisms with nano-thin semiconducting films, practical prototypes for long-lasting bioelectronics with integrated microfluidics and their large-scale manufacturing processes. Outcomes include step changes in designing innovative wearable and implantable devices and their massive commercialisation opportunities.Read moreRead less
A miniaturised laser manipulator for ultra-precise and pain-free dentistry. This project aims to develop a miniaturized high-precision laser robotic device that can fit comfortably in the mouth to perform pain-free, vibration-free dental operations by utilising silicon-carbide on silicon technology to create a millimetre-sized two-axis controllable, highly-reflective mirror robust to high-power ultra-short laser pulses. This project expects to generate new knowledge in micro-mirror control using ....A miniaturised laser manipulator for ultra-precise and pain-free dentistry. This project aims to develop a miniaturized high-precision laser robotic device that can fit comfortably in the mouth to perform pain-free, vibration-free dental operations by utilising silicon-carbide on silicon technology to create a millimetre-sized two-axis controllable, highly-reflective mirror robust to high-power ultra-short laser pulses. This project expects to generate new knowledge in micro-mirror control using optically excited piezo-resistive sensors, and cold femtosecond laser ablation of hard dental tissue. Expected outcomes include a working prototype for laser removal of tooth materials at speeds exceeding dental drills, providing benefits in miniaturized laser devices and ultimately removing pain from dental procedures. Read moreRead less
Advanced geotechnical sensing and early warning system for smart highway. This project aims to develop an advanced sensing system with interactive analytical road health monitoring for smart highways. The project expects to provide potential savings of millions of dollars and improved road quality through targeted, optimised, value-for-money highway maintenance, identified by deployment of cost-effective, energy-efficient miniaturised electromechanical sensors. The expected outcome of this proje ....Advanced geotechnical sensing and early warning system for smart highway. This project aims to develop an advanced sensing system with interactive analytical road health monitoring for smart highways. The project expects to provide potential savings of millions of dollars and improved road quality through targeted, optimised, value-for-money highway maintenance, identified by deployment of cost-effective, energy-efficient miniaturised electromechanical sensors. The expected outcome of this project is the development of a fit-for-purpose and evidence-based early warning system for smart highway construction and maintenance. This should provide significant benefit through foreseeing potential geotechnical risks before they happen and enabling early intervention to enhance road safety and mitigate economic losses.Read moreRead less
Innovative Electrohydrodynamic Atomisation for Improved Nasal Drug Delivery. Inhalation offers high and rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream. This project aims to establish key technologies for a revolutionary system in inhaled nanomedicine delivery. The study will investigate the underlying physics of nanoparticles to create a world-first electrostatic nebuliser, enabling the more effective drug delivery. This technique is expected to overcome the current limitations by providing better c ....Innovative Electrohydrodynamic Atomisation for Improved Nasal Drug Delivery. Inhalation offers high and rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream. This project aims to establish key technologies for a revolutionary system in inhaled nanomedicine delivery. The study will investigate the underlying physics of nanoparticles to create a world-first electrostatic nebuliser, enabling the more effective drug delivery. This technique is expected to overcome the current limitations by providing better control over the size and charge of delivered drugs. The outcomes of this project will benefit pharmaceutical companies in developing products with more efficient nasal delivery of advanced drugs, vaccines, and nanocariers, make it easier for doctors to prescribe, and benefit patients with more accurate dosages.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL230100023
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,362,355.00
Summary
Highly efficient microscale liquid handling and bio interfacing. The aim is to establish the exciting new field of micro elastofluidics, enabling the development of a highly competitive, sovereign capability in Australia, utilising flexibility and stretchability for efficient and precise handling of tiny volumes of liquid. The program will fill a critical gap in fundamental knowledge in fluid-structure interactions, leading to the development of wearable and implantable devices. The expected out ....Highly efficient microscale liquid handling and bio interfacing. The aim is to establish the exciting new field of micro elastofluidics, enabling the development of a highly competitive, sovereign capability in Australia, utilising flexibility and stretchability for efficient and precise handling of tiny volumes of liquid. The program will fill a critical gap in fundamental knowledge in fluid-structure interactions, leading to the development of wearable and implantable devices. The expected outcomes include innovative platform technologies for sample storage, handling and unique device-human interfaces with broad applications in health and defence. Expected benefits include enhanced capabilities in medical diagnostics, defence force protection and Australia’s sovereign high-tech manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240101027
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,000.00
Summary
Deciphering the mechanisms of object manipulation with viscoelastic fluids. This project aims to innovate how tiny objects in mixed samples are sorted using the forces generated by fluids that are both viscous and elastic. The developed technology is expected to break the limitations of conventional methods by automating sample processing and by enabling the sorting capability based on not only size, but also shape and fluid properties. This will meet the growing demand for rapid processing of c ....Deciphering the mechanisms of object manipulation with viscoelastic fluids. This project aims to innovate how tiny objects in mixed samples are sorted using the forces generated by fluids that are both viscous and elastic. The developed technology is expected to break the limitations of conventional methods by automating sample processing and by enabling the sorting capability based on not only size, but also shape and fluid properties. This will meet the growing demand for rapid processing of complex real-world environmental samples. The expected outcomes include new knowledge and techniques for sorting algae and insects from water samples for the assessment of water quality and biodiversity. It is expected to benefit Australians by providing faster, cheaper, and more efficient environmental monitoring methods.Read moreRead less
Thermal engineering in semiconductor heterojunction for space transducers . Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducers, including sensors and actuators, are essential for space applications. However, MEMS transducers have not yet provided compelling performance for the space industry as they typically experience degradation of performance when subjected to elevated temperature and radiation. This research aims to develop an innovative transducer technology that uses a temperature gradient ....Thermal engineering in semiconductor heterojunction for space transducers . Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducers, including sensors and actuators, are essential for space applications. However, MEMS transducers have not yet provided compelling performance for the space industry as they typically experience degradation of performance when subjected to elevated temperature and radiation. This research aims to develop an innovative transducer technology that uses a temperature gradient to enhance performance and a radiation-hard material to ensure reliability and longevity. Expected outcomes include improved understanding of transducer performance under temperature gradient, appropriate material selection, and design recommendations for high-performance transducers with applications in space and defence.Read moreRead less