Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modell ....Material Properties of Nanocrystals. The mechanical characteristics of nanocrystals determine the viability of many novel applications and devices emerging from the field of nanotechnology. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanical properties of these nanocrystals is only vaguely understood, because their size has prohibited their measurement. In this project, we shall investigate the mechanical properties of these materials for the first time using a combination of theoretical modelling, atomic force microscopy, and a new form of spectroscopy that allows the actual deformation of nanocrystals to be measured. The fundamental scientific knowledge gained is expected to impact on the development of current and future nanodevices.Read moreRead less
Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently n ....Spectroscopy of Single Quantum Dots. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are materials with promising applications in flat panel displays, biosensors, quantum dot lasers, and optical communication elements. Many of the applications are novel and require firm understanding of the physical and chemical properties of quantum dots to optimise reliability and performance. To fulfil the technological promise of fluorescent quantum dots, problems relating to quantum yield and photostability urgently need to be resolved. These issues will be addressed through spectroscopic studies of single quantum dots both in vacuum and in condensed phases. Ultimately, the findings will guide rational design of nanoscale devices based on quantum dot luminescence.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354775
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a tra ....Australian Synchrotron Sciences Network. A synchrotron light source is a critical piece of infrastructure for a modern technological nation. In 2001, the Victorian government announced that it would contribute $157M towards the establishment of a national synchrotron facility, becoming operational in 2007. The research performed at such a facility is exceedingly diverse, and often the underpinning technology is the only point of contact for users. A vibrant and productive facility requires a transparent interface between the scientist and the technology. This Network will set up the communication channels within the user base, and between the users and the facility development program.Read moreRead less
Molecular Electronics Principles and Applications. This project will establish basic conceptual models and computational methods to understand the nature of conduction, memory storage, and solar to electrical energy conversion processes in molecular devices on the 1-nanometer scale. Fundamental research of chemical processes, device interfaces, characterization techniques, and natural photosynthesis will result in widely applicable advances in nanotechnology. Additionally, novel architectures wi ....Molecular Electronics Principles and Applications. This project will establish basic conceptual models and computational methods to understand the nature of conduction, memory storage, and solar to electrical energy conversion processes in molecular devices on the 1-nanometer scale. Fundamental research of chemical processes, device interfaces, characterization techniques, and natural photosynthesis will result in widely applicable advances in nanotechnology. Additionally, novel architectures will be developed for disruptive new technologies in molecular memory and logic design, as well as in the design of biomimetic solar cells. These developments could lead to new Australian electronics industries and an order of magnitude reduction in the production cost of solar electricity.Read moreRead less
A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a labora ....A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a laboratory prototype of this sensor that is expected to have superior sensitivity and operational capabilities. Thus it will noticeably contribute to practical law enforcement, air quality and environmental monitoring, counter-terrorism, air safety, border security and customs service. It will also lead to further development of nano-optics and nanotechnology in Australia. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882787
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
An Integrated Raman Microscope and in Situ STM-TEM Analysis System. The imaging and analytical capabilities of SEM and chemical and structural characterisation afforded by Raman spectroscopy will be unique, allowing both rapid morphological observation and elemental analysis at the macro and nanoscale. The in-situ TEM holder will further assist through in-situ characterization of advanced materials at the nano-scale level. In combination, these instruments will underpin groundbreaking research i ....An Integrated Raman Microscope and in Situ STM-TEM Analysis System. The imaging and analytical capabilities of SEM and chemical and structural characterisation afforded by Raman spectroscopy will be unique, allowing both rapid morphological observation and elemental analysis at the macro and nanoscale. The in-situ TEM holder will further assist through in-situ characterization of advanced materials at the nano-scale level. In combination, these instruments will underpin groundbreaking research in diverse research fields developing new advanced nanomaterials and bio-nanomaterials with significant impact on many industries with great economical and environmental benefits. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100846
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,388.00
Summary
Ordering photon energy carriers for efficient upconversion. This project aims to tackle the major challenge of upconversion nanosystems – their brightness. It will centre on building a donor/acceptor-ordered nanosystem to improve the energy transfer efficiency in hybrid nanomaterials. This ordered system will significantly improve the brightness of hybrid nanoparticles at low irradiance. Expected outcomes include a fundamental understanding of energy transfer mechanisms at sub-nm scales and a ne ....Ordering photon energy carriers for efficient upconversion. This project aims to tackle the major challenge of upconversion nanosystems – their brightness. It will centre on building a donor/acceptor-ordered nanosystem to improve the energy transfer efficiency in hybrid nanomaterials. This ordered system will significantly improve the brightness of hybrid nanoparticles at low irradiance. Expected outcomes include a fundamental understanding of energy transfer mechanisms at sub-nm scales and a new strategy to brighten the upconversion nanomaterials. This project should push upconversion nanoscience to a new generation and provide significant benefits in ultra-sensitive biomolecular assays and in vivo bioimaging.Read moreRead less
New platforms for molecular electronics. Molecular electronics involves the integration of molecules with solid-state electronics and is seen as an answer to the growing need for ultradense and ultrafast computation. This project will design molecular-based components specifically intended for solid-state applications, such as molecular-based memory.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,000.00
Summary
Ultrastable perovskite nanocrystals for high quality optoelectronic devices. This project aims to investigate novel highly efficient luminescent nanomaterials; by utilising perovskite nanocrystals with enhanced stability by coating or mesoporous materials. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of energy conversion using interdisciplinary approaches of chemistry, physics, engineering and machine learning. Expected outcomes of this project include higher efficiency display and ....Ultrastable perovskite nanocrystals for high quality optoelectronic devices. This project aims to investigate novel highly efficient luminescent nanomaterials; by utilising perovskite nanocrystals with enhanced stability by coating or mesoporous materials. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of energy conversion using interdisciplinary approaches of chemistry, physics, engineering and machine learning. Expected outcomes of this project include higher efficiency display and lighting, better performance of energy harvesting. The cross disciplinary collaborations pave the way to achieve the objectives of this project. This should provide significant benefits, such as better ways to convert energy from renewable sources and more efficient ways to use electrical power for lighting and display.Read moreRead less
Geometry variation and coupling of single gold nanorods for highly efficient, one-photon and two-photon luminescent markers. The search for highly efficient, non toxic and stable luminescence markers is continuing for many applications in bio- and nano-photonics. The project's study of gold nanorod luminescence is designed to fundamentally understand and control the luminescence quantum efficiency of gold nanorod and ultimately unveil its potential as the future marker.