Nanoindentation-induced Phase Transformations and Physical Property Changes in Semiconductors. The motivation for this study derives from recent findings of intriguing phase and structural changes induced in semiconductors under a small indenter when it is pressed into the surface. Using an array of sophisticated techniques, in this study we plan to explore for the first time the structural changes that can be induced in semiconductors on the nanoscale and to study what novel properties, partic ....Nanoindentation-induced Phase Transformations and Physical Property Changes in Semiconductors. The motivation for this study derives from recent findings of intriguing phase and structural changes induced in semiconductors under a small indenter when it is pressed into the surface. Using an array of sophisticated techniques, in this study we plan to explore for the first time the structural changes that can be induced in semiconductors on the nanoscale and to study what novel properties, particularly electrical, such nanoscale regions may have. Detailed nanoindentation studies will focus on understanding and exploiting deformation of silicon, to open up an exciting prospect: the development of an entirely new, ultra-high-density information storage process.Read moreRead less
Fabrication, charge and spin ordering, magnetoresistance, and polaron effects in nano-size and single crystals of novel transition metal perovskite oxides. The aim of the project is to synthesize a systematic series of novel colossal magnetoresistance manganese, cobalt and iron based transition metal perovskite oxides in the forms of nano-structures, nano-structured composites and single crystals using advanced nano-technology and crystal growth techniques. Extensive fundamental studies on magne ....Fabrication, charge and spin ordering, magnetoresistance, and polaron effects in nano-size and single crystals of novel transition metal perovskite oxides. The aim of the project is to synthesize a systematic series of novel colossal magnetoresistance manganese, cobalt and iron based transition metal perovskite oxides in the forms of nano-structures, nano-structured composites and single crystals using advanced nano-technology and crystal growth techniques. Extensive fundamental studies on magnetoresistance, spin and change ordering, and nano-scale behaviors will be carried out by neutron diffraction, synchrotron radiation, transport and magnetic measurements over a wide temperature range and magnetic fields. The outcomes of this project are likely to lead to a better undertanding of the colossal magnetoresistance mechanisms, the discovery of fascinating new physical phenomena and suitable magnetoresistance materials for superior magnetic recording, sensing and switch devicesRead moreRead less
Development of high performance wide-bandgap polar oxide electronic and optoelectronic devices. The research and development of high performance electronic and optoelectronic devices based on polar semiconductors have numerous practical applications in future communication systems and power electronic network. This project aims to generate exciting breakthrough science for novel polar oxide devices. The technologies developed through this project may lead to immediate applications and commercial ....Development of high performance wide-bandgap polar oxide electronic and optoelectronic devices. The research and development of high performance electronic and optoelectronic devices based on polar semiconductors have numerous practical applications in future communication systems and power electronic network. This project aims to generate exciting breakthrough science for novel polar oxide devices. The technologies developed through this project may lead to immediate applications and commercialization of high performance devices in sensing, detection and communication, bringing enormous economic benefit for the Nation. The international collaboration will provide invaluable resources for both scientific research and technology development and keep Australia at the forefront in this field.Read moreRead less
Mapping electronic structure and material properties with atomic resolution. This project will use electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to map the bonding and electronic structure of InGaN quantum wells at the atomic scale. We will measure and correlate the local composition, strain and electronic structure variations within the wells in order to understand the optical emission in this system. The characterisation tools developed will allow us to go beyond measuring structure and composition ....Mapping electronic structure and material properties with atomic resolution. This project will use electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to map the bonding and electronic structure of InGaN quantum wells at the atomic scale. We will measure and correlate the local composition, strain and electronic structure variations within the wells in order to understand the optical emission in this system. The characterisation tools developed will allow us to go beyond measuring structure and composition and map properties of nano-materials at the atomic scale.Read moreRead less
Understanding of nanostructures and magnetic properties of Ge-based diluted magnetic semiconductors for spintronic devices. The success of growing high-quality germanium-based diluted magnetic semiconductors will position Australian fundamental & applied research at the world forefront of magnetic semiconductors. This multi-disciplinary research will not only secure a number of high-impact publications in leading international journals, but also has the potential to generate patentable technolog ....Understanding of nanostructures and magnetic properties of Ge-based diluted magnetic semiconductors for spintronic devices. The success of growing high-quality germanium-based diluted magnetic semiconductors will position Australian fundamental & applied research at the world forefront of magnetic semiconductors. This multi-disciplinary research will not only secure a number of high-impact publications in leading international journals, but also has the potential to generate patentable technologies which might bring potential economic benefits to Australia. In addition, the project will strengthen the collaboration between Australian researchers and world-renowned scientists and will allow Australian researchers to access world-best fabrication facilities. All these will enhance the international competitive profile of Australia in the field of spintronics.Read moreRead less
Development of an advanced semiconductor characterisation capability for infrared focal plane array applications. Australian access to world leading technology in state-of-the-art infrared detectors is key to future advanced systems for defence surveillance and sensing, mineral exploration, biomedical instrumentation, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring and homeland security. This project will ensure that Australia contributes to an integral component required in the development of t ....Development of an advanced semiconductor characterisation capability for infrared focal plane array applications. Australian access to world leading technology in state-of-the-art infrared detectors is key to future advanced systems for defence surveillance and sensing, mineral exploration, biomedical instrumentation, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring and homeland security. This project will ensure that Australia contributes to an integral component required in the development of these technologies allowing early access to future systems. It will also enable Austarlia to play a leading role in setting the research directions for infrared materials that will place Australian research at the forefront in this area.Read moreRead less
Quantum dynamics of solid-state qubits. The primary aim of this project is to carry out a critical assessment of several solid-state qubit systems and quantum logic gate operations through detailed theoretical calculations. This project will address important issues such as precise control of electron flux and spin interactions, optimal operating conditions, errors due to imperfection in the system and possible mechanisms for error elimination, as well as reliable measurements of the output qubi ....Quantum dynamics of solid-state qubits. The primary aim of this project is to carry out a critical assessment of several solid-state qubit systems and quantum logic gate operations through detailed theoretical calculations. This project will address important issues such as precise control of electron flux and spin interactions, optimal operating conditions, errors due to imperfection in the system and possible mechanisms for error elimination, as well as reliable measurements of the output qubit register. In addition, qubit systems have shown themselves to be tiny laboratories in which fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics can be tested and a new regime of physics can be learnt.Read moreRead less
Low temperature fabrication of silicon-based thin film transistors (TFTs) for flat panel displays - an entirely new approach. This project represents an entirely new approach to low temperature crystallization of amorphous silicon, and its application to TFT fabrication in flat panel displays, and involves a partnership with the Australian high-tech company, WRiota. The research is in a field of high national priority, namely nanotechnology, since the technology is based on materials modificati ....Low temperature fabrication of silicon-based thin film transistors (TFTs) for flat panel displays - an entirely new approach. This project represents an entirely new approach to low temperature crystallization of amorphous silicon, and its application to TFT fabrication in flat panel displays, and involves a partnership with the Australian high-tech company, WRiota. The research is in a field of high national priority, namely nanotechnology, since the technology is based on materials modification at the nanoscale by nanoindentation. This project will further provide valuable opportunities for a number of research students and ECRs to gain experience in both the industrial and academic worlds and skills needed for Australia's nanotechnology workforce.Read moreRead less
Exploration for new materials for spintronics. The scope for use of spintronic materials in practical applications will be enormous and there will be a huge market for spintronic devices. In fact, giant magnetoresistance spintronic materials are already used in practical applications such as magnetic recording and storage devices. The success of this project will certainly lead to a discovery of novel magnetic semiconductor spintronic materials and better understanding of spin dependent magneti ....Exploration for new materials for spintronics. The scope for use of spintronic materials in practical applications will be enormous and there will be a huge market for spintronic devices. In fact, giant magnetoresistance spintronic materials are already used in practical applications such as magnetic recording and storage devices. The success of this project will certainly lead to a discovery of novel magnetic semiconductor spintronic materials and better understanding of spin dependent magnetic interactions. It will enhance the international competitiveness and export power of Australian industry in the areas of information technology, quantum computing, magnetic recording and magneto-electronics. Read moreRead less
Deterministic plasma-aided nanoassembly: from elementary processes to industry-grade nano- and biomaterials. This collaborative project aims to develop new approaches for the improved plasma-based synthesis of selected nano- and biomaterials that will comply with the relevant industry standards. It is based on extensive international research networking and will ultimately lead to a major breakthrough in highly-controlled plasma-aided synthesis of advanced functional materials and devices. The p ....Deterministic plasma-aided nanoassembly: from elementary processes to industry-grade nano- and biomaterials. This collaborative project aims to develop new approaches for the improved plasma-based synthesis of selected nano- and biomaterials that will comply with the relevant industry standards. It is based on extensive international research networking and will ultimately lead to a major breakthrough in highly-controlled plasma-aided synthesis of advanced functional materials and devices. The project outcomes will attract the interest of established and emerging industries in Australia, Singapore and other countries, and will be useful for the development of small high-tech companies in Australia. This project is ideally suited for training of early-career postdoctoral researchers and research students of competitive international standing.Read moreRead less