Quantum enhancement of long baseline gravitational wave detectors. This project will design and construct a quantum optical system which when used in future long baseline gravitational wave detectors will enhance sensitivity across their detection frequency band, from 10 Hz to 10 kHz. This project will use this system on small scale optical sensors to prove the concept. In so doing, it will use squeezing to reduce quantum radiation pressure noise for the first time. This system will then be read ....Quantum enhancement of long baseline gravitational wave detectors. This project will design and construct a quantum optical system which when used in future long baseline gravitational wave detectors will enhance sensitivity across their detection frequency band, from 10 Hz to 10 kHz. This project will use this system on small scale optical sensors to prove the concept. In so doing, it will use squeezing to reduce quantum radiation pressure noise for the first time. This system will then be ready for deployment on an early upgrade of Advanced LIGO increasing the science output of this detector, turning gravitational wave detection into gravitational wave astronomy.Read moreRead less
New high aspect ratio roll-to-roll compatible ultraviolet polysiloxane nanoimprinting for low cost consumer, medical, and quantum devices. This project will explore materials and processes for the creation of low cost optical waveguide devices from hybrid polysiloxane materials with applications in consumer products, sensing, health monitoring and fundamental physics. The outcome will pave the way for new approaches to manufacturing opening up new markets for the technology.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE170100072
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
Facility for exploring light-matter interactions in space, time and energy. This project aims to create a readily accessible facility consisting of a suite of tools to study light-matter interactions in materials, molecules and biological systems. Understanding light-matter interactions offers insight into the properties of nano- and biomaterials. The project intends to combine local probes and pump-probe spectroscopy methods for studying nanoscale femtosecond dynamics. It will be accessible to ....Facility for exploring light-matter interactions in space, time and energy. This project aims to create a readily accessible facility consisting of a suite of tools to study light-matter interactions in materials, molecules and biological systems. Understanding light-matter interactions offers insight into the properties of nano- and biomaterials. The project intends to combine local probes and pump-probe spectroscopy methods for studying nanoscale femtosecond dynamics. It will be accessible to a broad user base, cementing Australia’s leadership in ultrafast spectroscopy techniques and nano/bio-materials. The facility will provide a window to the quantum nanoworld, with potential for developing new energy efficient light sources, light-harvesting systems and sensors.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL150100019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,041,282.00
Summary
Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing. Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing: This fellowship project aims to levitate macroscopic objects using only laser beams, to provide a new tool to test physics theories. Strong laser beams can exert sufficient force to counteract gravity and make an object levitate. In contrast to other forms of levitation, laser levitation is scatter-free and can preserve system coherence. It has s ....Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing. Precision laser levitation for quantum metrology and gravitational sensing: This fellowship project aims to levitate macroscopic objects using only laser beams, to provide a new tool to test physics theories. Strong laser beams can exert sufficient force to counteract gravity and make an object levitate. In contrast to other forms of levitation, laser levitation is scatter-free and can preserve system coherence. It has superior optical and mechanical quality factors and complete information of the system dynamics is retained. This allows laser levitation to be turned into a highly controllable and ultra-sensitive device capable of detecting minute environmental changes. This research aims to probe the relationship between quantum and gravitational physics and develop laser levitation into a precision instrument for the sensing of gravity. Laser levitation has the potential to be developed into technology for mineral exploration and environmental sensing.Read moreRead less
Instrumentation for the era of gravitational wave science. This project aims to study noise sources that limit the low-frequency performance of gravitational wave antenna: thermal noise, quantum radiation pressure noise and Newtonian noise. Gravitational wave detection is a new way in which to observe our universe. Although detectors such as advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) should detect gravitational waves, further sensitivity improvement, particularly at low ....Instrumentation for the era of gravitational wave science. This project aims to study noise sources that limit the low-frequency performance of gravitational wave antenna: thermal noise, quantum radiation pressure noise and Newtonian noise. Gravitational wave detection is a new way in which to observe our universe. Although detectors such as advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) should detect gravitational waves, further sensitivity improvement, particularly at low frequencies, will be needed to provide event rates necessary for astronomy. Expected project outcomes will support the development of the first free mass interferometer to operate at 120K using silicon optics, a vital facility for the world community. Pushing the boundaries of measurement may also drive innovation in optical sensing with potential applications in defence, security and exploration.Read moreRead less
Quantum satellites: safeguarding space-based communication networks. This project aims to address the fundamental challenges of developing quantum communication technology in space by performing space qualification of quantum technologies and optimising quantum-key distribution protocols for space applications. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of long-distance quantum key distribution based on continuous variables providing Australia with secure information networks. Exp ....Quantum satellites: safeguarding space-based communication networks. This project aims to address the fundamental challenges of developing quantum communication technology in space by performing space qualification of quantum technologies and optimising quantum-key distribution protocols for space applications. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of long-distance quantum key distribution based on continuous variables providing Australia with secure information networks. Expected outcomes of the project include licensing of key patents in building a quantum toolkit for space applications, establishment of collaboration across research institutes and disciplines, defence organisations and industry partners.Read moreRead less
Active photonic and plasmonic components based on parity-time symmetry. This project intends to uncover and demonstrate experimentally the role of symmetry in space and time in nonlinear photonics and plasmonics, where light can change the optical properties of the medium. Based on these results, the project aims to build an integrated optical signal amplifier and an integrated generator of entangled photons with previously inaccessible ultra-fast broad-range control of operating regimes. These ....Active photonic and plasmonic components based on parity-time symmetry. This project intends to uncover and demonstrate experimentally the role of symmetry in space and time in nonlinear photonics and plasmonics, where light can change the optical properties of the medium. Based on these results, the project aims to build an integrated optical signal amplifier and an integrated generator of entangled photons with previously inaccessible ultra-fast broad-range control of operating regimes. These systems would have applications in future optical communication networks, ensuring fast, secure and energy efficient data transmission.Read moreRead less
Memory and light for integrated quantum systems. Optical quantum information technologies have the potential to change the way we work and play, but there are problems to be overcome: we lack both a memory for quantum information and reliable light sources that can be integrated into quantum networks. This project addresses both these issues and will bring quantum technologies closer to market.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100009
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,000.00
Summary
Ultra-precision cutting and polishing machines for fabricating high-Q crystalline resonators. The proposed facility will equip Australian researchers with the capability to machine and polish optical crystalline materials down to atomic-level smoothness. The availability of this technology will enable the fabrication of ultra-sensitive metrological sensors, state-of-the-art photonic components, and quantum devices. Precision metrology is an integral component of many industries and it underpins ....Ultra-precision cutting and polishing machines for fabricating high-Q crystalline resonators. The proposed facility will equip Australian researchers with the capability to machine and polish optical crystalline materials down to atomic-level smoothness. The availability of this technology will enable the fabrication of ultra-sensitive metrological sensors, state-of-the-art photonic components, and quantum devices. Precision metrology is an integral component of many industries and it underpins a modern, technically advanced society. With this facility Australian researchers will lead the world in the fabrication of optical crystalline devices for a broad range of industrial and research applications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100129
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,000.00
Summary
Equipment and instrumentation for breaking the quantum measurement barrier. This equipment will support Australia's partnership in the international effort to detect gravitational waves, which would allow the first direct observation of black holes and mark the beginning of exploration of the gravitational wave spectrum.