Versatile dosimetry systems for radiotherapy and industrial applications: novel storage phosphor and associated reader technologies. Radiotherapy is an important procedure in the treatment of cancer, and it is essential that the radiation dosage can be accurately measured. This project will develop technology which will enable us to monitor radiation dosage in real time and very accurately. This will be of importance in medical science and also for industrial applications.
Electrical contact engineering for next generation semiconductor devices. Contact resistivity and parasitic resistance have been identified as limiting factors in the performance of next-generation semiconductor devices. This project aims to understand these limitations and to develop methods to mitigate them through the application of advanced ion implantation processing. Specifically, this will involve: investigating the effect of selective doping on electrical properties of metal-semiconducto ....Electrical contact engineering for next generation semiconductor devices. Contact resistivity and parasitic resistance have been identified as limiting factors in the performance of next-generation semiconductor devices. This project aims to understand these limitations and to develop methods to mitigate them through the application of advanced ion implantation processing. Specifically, this will involve: investigating the effect of selective doping on electrical properties of metal-semiconductor interfaces; determining how ultra-shallow dopant profiles are affected by device structure and processing; and developing improved methods for measuring ultra-low contact resistivity. The research will be undertaken as a collaboration between researchers at the Australian National University and Applied Materials Ltd.Read moreRead less
Optimising the spring in your step to enhance footwear design. This project aims to examine how the nervous system adjusts the mechanical function of our feet across a spectrum of speeds, from slow running through to maximal effort sprinting. The proposed research will explore how the nervous system controls the function of the foot to meet the ever-varying demands of locomotion in the real-world. Expected outcomes of this project are to determine if running shoes help or hinder the natural spri ....Optimising the spring in your step to enhance footwear design. This project aims to examine how the nervous system adjusts the mechanical function of our feet across a spectrum of speeds, from slow running through to maximal effort sprinting. The proposed research will explore how the nervous system controls the function of the foot to meet the ever-varying demands of locomotion in the real-world. Expected outcomes of this project are to determine if running shoes help or hinder the natural spring-like function of the foot. It will explain a conceptually novel design allowing shoes to support our feet, whilst harnessing the energetic benefits of the foot's spring-like function. This research has the potential to revolutionise athletic footwear design and has direct implications for enhanced performance in running athletes.Read moreRead less
Ion-beam synthesis of functional oxides for next generation memory devices. This project seeks to explore a low-temperature approach to stoichiometry control using direct oxide synthesis and defect-engineering based on ion-implantation, a routine semiconductor fabrication process. This has the potential to improve device manufacturability and functionality. In thin film form, transition metal oxides can be subjected to intense electric fields and exhibit characteristic resistance changes suitabl ....Ion-beam synthesis of functional oxides for next generation memory devices. This project seeks to explore a low-temperature approach to stoichiometry control using direct oxide synthesis and defect-engineering based on ion-implantation, a routine semiconductor fabrication process. This has the potential to improve device manufacturability and functionality. In thin film form, transition metal oxides can be subjected to intense electric fields and exhibit characteristic resistance changes suitable for non-volatile memory applications. However, their electrical response depends critically on stoichiometry and this must be precisely engineered for optimal device performance. This project aims to develop next-generation memory devices as a replacement for current flash memory. The proposed technology uses resistance changes in functional-oxides to store information, and offers the potential for smaller and faster memory.Read moreRead less
Controlling the forming and switching characteristics of non-volatile resistive memory devices using ion-implantation. This project will develop new techniques for improving the reliability and endurance of a new class of non-volatile memory devices for use in portable electronics and embedded electronic systems. Such developments are essential for the development of next-generation devices.
Exploiting deep sub-surface temperature-induced phase-transformations for an improved approach to semiconductor laser-dicing. This project aims to explore sub-surface laser-induced phase transformations in semiconductors and to exploit this novel method for ultra-fine laser cutting of semiconductor wafers without debris. The outcomes will be understanding new temperature-induced material modifications and innovative technology development relevant for the semiconductor industry.
A new in-situ structural measurement capability during nanoindentation. A new in-situ structural measurement capability during nanoindentation. This project aims to develop an in-situ Raman capability to obtain dynamic structural and mechanical behaviour of materials as a function of pressure during nanoindentation; and apply the new capability to directly monitor phase changes in silicon and germanium under pressure and correlate them with the simultaneous electrical responses. Anticipated outc ....A new in-situ structural measurement capability during nanoindentation. A new in-situ structural measurement capability during nanoindentation. This project aims to develop an in-situ Raman capability to obtain dynamic structural and mechanical behaviour of materials as a function of pressure during nanoindentation; and apply the new capability to directly monitor phase changes in silicon and germanium under pressure and correlate them with the simultaneous electrical responses. Anticipated outcomes are new instrumentation to directly probe the pressure-temperature phase diagram, and measure electrical properties of novel end phases in these semiconductors.Read moreRead less
Developing key vision technology for automation of aquaculture factory. This project aims to investigate structural, coloured textural, and hyperspectral analysis approaches to achieve automated lobster molt-cycle staging and classification to the level required for commercial production. High labour cost, water contamination, and disease transmission are major barriers in Australian bay lobster aquaculture inhibiting its large scale production. Automation of the production process and reducing ....Developing key vision technology for automation of aquaculture factory. This project aims to investigate structural, coloured textural, and hyperspectral analysis approaches to achieve automated lobster molt-cycle staging and classification to the level required for commercial production. High labour cost, water contamination, and disease transmission are major barriers in Australian bay lobster aquaculture inhibiting its large scale production. Automation of the production process and reducing the human contact with animals are of high priority in the development of this Australian-led emerging industry. The project aims to develop technology to bring this world- first aquaculture factory to large scale production, and create new export opportunities for lobsters and production systems.Read moreRead less
High performance metal oxide inks for printable memory arrays . This project aims to develop next generation printable memory devices with low cost and excellent stability. The goal will be achieved by developing a new class of metal oxide nanomaterials based inks and large scale printing technology, through optimizing the synthesis, printing process and electrode configuration. The expected outcomes will be new electronic materials for a wide range of end uses in flexible electronics, significa ....High performance metal oxide inks for printable memory arrays . This project aims to develop next generation printable memory devices with low cost and excellent stability. The goal will be achieved by developing a new class of metal oxide nanomaterials based inks and large scale printing technology, through optimizing the synthesis, printing process and electrode configuration. The expected outcomes will be new electronic materials for a wide range of end uses in flexible electronics, significant advances in energy efficient data storage devices, and commercialisation of the technology to Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Creating a national time and frequency network for Australia. This project will develop the means to distribute accurate time and frequency across the Australian continent via an optical fibre network. This network will meet the needs of future telecommunications, science and astronomy projects including the Australian bid for the Square Kilometre Array radio-astronomy project.