The best of both worlds: electrically detected optical spectroscopy at the single atom limit. One atom, one photon, one electron, in a silicon crystal. We will demonstrate a novel technique to detect the absorption of light by a single atom, in the most significant environment for nanoelectronics and photovoltaics. Our technique will help unravel how light is turned into electricity at the most microscopic and fundamental level.
Observing the quantum chaotic trajectories of a single nucleus. This project aims to explain the fundamental link between quantum chaos, quantum measurement and the quantum/classical transition. This will be achieved by observing the chaotic dynamics of a highly controllable, extremely coherent, single nuclear spin - the world-first experimental demonstration of quantum chaos in a single particle. The project expects to deepen our understanding and control of the physical world and has potential ....Observing the quantum chaotic trajectories of a single nucleus. This project aims to explain the fundamental link between quantum chaos, quantum measurement and the quantum/classical transition. This will be achieved by observing the chaotic dynamics of a highly controllable, extremely coherent, single nuclear spin - the world-first experimental demonstration of quantum chaos in a single particle. The project expects to deepen our understanding and control of the physical world and has potential to benefit the industry sector.Read moreRead less
Quantum sensing from the bottom up with engineered semiconductor devices. This project aims to develop electronic devices that work as sensors of electromagnetic fields, wherein genuine quantum effects are used to reach unprecedented gains in sensitivity. It combines the significance of unveiling the fundamental limits of quantum-enhanced metrology, with the convenience of doing so in potentially manufacturable semiconductor devices. The expected outcome is a novel, bottom-up understanding of ho ....Quantum sensing from the bottom up with engineered semiconductor devices. This project aims to develop electronic devices that work as sensors of electromagnetic fields, wherein genuine quantum effects are used to reach unprecedented gains in sensitivity. It combines the significance of unveiling the fundamental limits of quantum-enhanced metrology, with the convenience of doing so in potentially manufacturable semiconductor devices. The expected outcome is a novel, bottom-up understanding of how best to utilize exotic quantum states of matter and fields for metrological advantage. These results will inform the design of the next-generation of extreme quantum sensors, with potential impact ranging from fundamental physics research to applications in mining or defense.Read moreRead less
Quantum thermodynamics of ultra-cold atoms. This project aims to provide new knowledge about the relationships between energy, entropy and information in the quantum realm of nanoscale machines and few-atoms systems. The Second Quantum Revolution is currently underway, and represents the merging of thermodynamic concepts of heat and work, with quantum concepts of information processing and entanglement. The project intends to shed light on how classical ideas on the nature of heat and work trans ....Quantum thermodynamics of ultra-cold atoms. This project aims to provide new knowledge about the relationships between energy, entropy and information in the quantum realm of nanoscale machines and few-atoms systems. The Second Quantum Revolution is currently underway, and represents the merging of thermodynamic concepts of heat and work, with quantum concepts of information processing and entanglement. The project intends to shed light on how classical ideas on the nature of heat and work translate to quantum devices. The knowledge arising from the project is expected to underpin experimental breakthroughs in the field and aid the development of new quantum technologies. The benefits lie in informing the design of new energy-efficient quantum materials, making future quantum technologies thermodynamically viable, and strengthening Australia's capacity to develop a modern, knowledge-based economy.Read moreRead less
Experimental mapping of electron densities in nano-structured materials. This project aims to map electrons in nano-structured materials using a new technique combining the latest solid-state theory with electron scattering experiments in one of the world’s most advanced electron microscopes. It is expected that by revealing the electronic structure of nano-scale features in bulk materials for the first time, their functions will become fully explainable. Aside from this new capability, other ....Experimental mapping of electron densities in nano-structured materials. This project aims to map electrons in nano-structured materials using a new technique combining the latest solid-state theory with electron scattering experiments in one of the world’s most advanced electron microscopes. It is expected that by revealing the electronic structure of nano-scale features in bulk materials for the first time, their functions will become fully explainable. Aside from this new capability, other expected outcomes include discovering how heat is converted into electricity in thermoelectric materials and how precipitates affect alloy strength. The benefits may include more informed materials design, more efficient thermoelectrics for sustainable energy technologies, and higher strength-to-weight ratio alloys.Read moreRead less
High Quality Gallium Oxide for Power Electronics. This project aims to combine advanced nanocharacterisation techniques with complementary expertise in semiconductor growth to produce high-quality gallium oxide that will enable fabrication of high efficiency, cost-effective power electronics. These state-of-the-art devices are urgently required to significantly reduce power conversion losses to maximise the performance and benefits of electricity generation systems using renewable energy sources ....High Quality Gallium Oxide for Power Electronics. This project aims to combine advanced nanocharacterisation techniques with complementary expertise in semiconductor growth to produce high-quality gallium oxide that will enable fabrication of high efficiency, cost-effective power electronics. These state-of-the-art devices are urgently required to significantly reduce power conversion losses to maximise the performance and benefits of electricity generation systems using renewable energy sources. The availability of superior oxide materials with bespoke electrical properties will enable the construction of fast high-voltage electronic switches, converters and other components with enhanced performance and unique capabilities.Read moreRead less
Hot Topic: Quantum Design of Phononic Heat Filters. Heat management is critical to many technologies for sustainable energy, electronics, protective equipment and energy-efficient buildings. The phonon is the quantum particle representing a travelling vibration and is responsible for the transmission of heat in solids. This project will study the new mechanisms for phonon transport in solids modified with embedded nanoparticles, which operate as phononic filters. Neutron spectroscopy provides a ....Hot Topic: Quantum Design of Phononic Heat Filters. Heat management is critical to many technologies for sustainable energy, electronics, protective equipment and energy-efficient buildings. The phonon is the quantum particle representing a travelling vibration and is responsible for the transmission of heat in solids. This project will study the new mechanisms for phonon transport in solids modified with embedded nanoparticles, which operate as phononic filters. Neutron spectroscopy provides a tool to measure the phonon density of states which is critical for developing a mathematical model of thermal boundary resistance. This is expected to identify mechanisms for ultra-low thermal conductivity leading to potential applications in thermoelectric generators and heat-resistant materials.Read moreRead less
Novel advances in sub-nanometer imaging. After two decades of research the first wave of applications in nanotechnology and nanobiology is breaking. Immediately key to further progress in both areas is the ability to characterise the structure of such systems and also their evolution on very short time scales. This research project places Australia at the forefront in this endeavour.
Big time crystals: a new paradigm in condensed matter. This project aims to extend condensed matter physics to the time dimension using big time crystals created by a periodically driven Bose-Einstein condensate. Such a system is expected to offer exceptional versatility, allowing effective potentials and long-range interactions in a time lattice to be engineered almost at will by proper periodic driving and modulation of the particle interaction. Expected outcomes include realisation of novel c ....Big time crystals: a new paradigm in condensed matter. This project aims to extend condensed matter physics to the time dimension using big time crystals created by a periodically driven Bose-Einstein condensate. Such a system is expected to offer exceptional versatility, allowing effective potentials and long-range interactions in a time lattice to be engineered almost at will by proper periodic driving and modulation of the particle interaction. Expected outcomes include realisation of novel condensed matter phenomena such as topologically protected states in the time dimension, time crystalline structures exhibiting disorder or quasi-crystalline order and time-tronics devices analogous to electronics. Potential future benefits include novel advanced materials and semiconductor-like devices. Read moreRead less
Hydrodynamics of quantum fluids. Since the 19th century, the governing equations of classical fluid dynamics or hydrodynamics have been an indispensable tool for transformative applications in aeronautics, medicine, and climate science. However, the applicability of hydrodynamics to the realm of quantum matter and quantum fluids is not well understood. This project intends to fill in this knowledge gap by developing new hydrodynamic theories of quantum fluids formed by ultracold quantum gases. T ....Hydrodynamics of quantum fluids. Since the 19th century, the governing equations of classical fluid dynamics or hydrodynamics have been an indispensable tool for transformative applications in aeronautics, medicine, and climate science. However, the applicability of hydrodynamics to the realm of quantum matter and quantum fluids is not well understood. This project intends to fill in this knowledge gap by developing new hydrodynamic theories of quantum fluids formed by ultracold quantum gases. The expected outcomes are the knowledge and theoretical tools required to underpin Australia’s advances in quantum technology applications, such as the design of quantum heat engines, control of heat transport in quantum nanowires, and fabrication of new energy efficient materials.Read moreRead less