Ultra-high spectral purity lasers for tests of relativity and atomic clocks. Measurement precision is the key to advancement of a technological society. This project aims to build the most precise measurement tool ever developed: one capable of delivering 17 digits of precision in just 1 second. In conjunction with German and French colleagues this too will be used to test the foundation theories of physics.
Development of Optical Clocks and Their Applications to Precision Frequency Measurements and Time Keeping. The goal of the proposed international researcher exchange program is to enhance the ongoing collaboration between the Frequency Standards and Metrology (FSM) Group at the University of Western Australia and leading US research institutions, including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the field of (i) laser cooled atomic frequency standards, (ii) methods of optical ....Development of Optical Clocks and Their Applications to Precision Frequency Measurements and Time Keeping. The goal of the proposed international researcher exchange program is to enhance the ongoing collaboration between the Frequency Standards and Metrology (FSM) Group at the University of Western Australia and leading US research institutions, including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the field of (i) laser cooled atomic frequency standards, (ii) methods of optical frequency synthesis and coherent time transfer between widely separated parts of electromagnetic spectrum and (iii) generation of low noise microwave signals directly from frequency stabilised ultra-fast pulsed lasers.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100121
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,000.00
Summary
Equipment for International Collaboration in Gravitational Wave Detection. Equipment for international collaboration in gravitational wave detection: This project will allow the Australian Consortium for Gravitational Astronomy to install optical equipment at its dedicated research facility, and to install data analysis pipelines on new iVEC Pawsey Centre GPU-enabled supercomputers. The equipment is required for research aimed at stabilising instabilities in the new international gravitational w ....Equipment for International Collaboration in Gravitational Wave Detection. Equipment for international collaboration in gravitational wave detection: This project will allow the Australian Consortium for Gravitational Astronomy to install optical equipment at its dedicated research facility, and to install data analysis pipelines on new iVEC Pawsey Centre GPU-enabled supercomputers. The equipment is required for research aimed at stabilising instabilities in the new international gravitational wave detectors currently being commissioned in the USA and Europe. Real time data from the new detectors will be analysed using innovative new techniques. Scientists across Australia will be able to rapidly localise potential gravitational wave sources to direct robotic telescope observations. This could enable the first detection of gravitational waves.Read moreRead less
Optimising lasers for ablation of structurally complex solid non-metals. This project aims to take the latest developments in fibre laser technology to create a new ablation system for precision cutting and reshaping of structurally complex non-metal materials. Fibre lasers provide high quality beams, high average power, and precise pulse timing. Guided by the composition of the material and its response to incident mid-infrared light, the project will create a tailored laser beam to provide ac ....Optimising lasers for ablation of structurally complex solid non-metals. This project aims to take the latest developments in fibre laser technology to create a new ablation system for precision cutting and reshaping of structurally complex non-metal materials. Fibre lasers provide high quality beams, high average power, and precise pulse timing. Guided by the composition of the material and its response to incident mid-infrared light, the project will create a tailored laser beam to provide accurate and high-rate ablation. The expected outcomes include minimal damage to the surrounding area and a level of precision not possible with any mechanical alternative. The project will provide long term benefits to the aerospace and healthcare industries and, be a boost to Australia’s manufacturing sector.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882792
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,000.00
Summary
High Power Laser, Test Masses, Digital Control System and Vacuum System for High Optical Power Interferometry Experiments. Gravitational waves are expected to offer humanity a completely new spectrum with which to study the Universe. Australia has been a pioneer in the quest to open up this new spectrum. This project will allow Australia to play a key role in a world-wide project which aims for the first time to enable gravitational waves to be detected from black holes and neutron stars through ....High Power Laser, Test Masses, Digital Control System and Vacuum System for High Optical Power Interferometry Experiments. Gravitational waves are expected to offer humanity a completely new spectrum with which to study the Universe. Australia has been a pioneer in the quest to open up this new spectrum. This project will allow Australia to play a key role in a world-wide project which aims for the first time to enable gravitational waves to be detected from black holes and neutron stars throughout the universe. It will give Australia access to developed technologies, and will be a major boost to physical science research and education.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100054
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,230,000.00
Summary
Ground station facility for membership of the atomic clock ensemble in space mission. This is a unique opportunity for Australian membership of a high profile space mission involving atomic clocks on board the International Space Station and in the world's best frequency and time laboratories. The results obtained will lead to a better understanding of the unification of quantum mechanics and relativity as well as aspects of fundamental Earth metrology.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775637
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
An Australian Attosecond Science Facility. The laser facility requested here will provide Australian researchers with the ability to take snapshots of physical and biological processes at unprecedented time resolution. Such a facility will enable Australian researchers to remain competitive and continue to contribute significantly to scientific research on an international scale. The facility will provide excellent training for research higher degree students, preparing them for work in high-tec ....An Australian Attosecond Science Facility. The laser facility requested here will provide Australian researchers with the ability to take snapshots of physical and biological processes at unprecedented time resolution. Such a facility will enable Australian researchers to remain competitive and continue to contribute significantly to scientific research on an international scale. The facility will provide excellent training for research higher degree students, preparing them for work in high-tech industries based on cutting-edge discoveries in physics and biology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0221428
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,000.00
Summary
A Transportable Optical Frequency Counter, Synthesizer and Super-Continuum Generator (OFCSSG). The generation of ultra-short light pulses of just a few femtoseconds (one thousand-trillionth of a second) in duration has enabled applications in a wide range of fields, but complexity and cost has limited availability. This project will employ recently developed optical fibre and solid-state laser technology to create a cost-effective compact transportable facility of highly coherent, ultra-broadba ....A Transportable Optical Frequency Counter, Synthesizer and Super-Continuum Generator (OFCSSG). The generation of ultra-short light pulses of just a few femtoseconds (one thousand-trillionth of a second) in duration has enabled applications in a wide range of fields, but complexity and cost has limited availability. This project will employ recently developed optical fibre and solid-state laser technology to create a cost-effective compact transportable facility of highly coherent, ultra-broadband radiation. The source will enable new research and substantially enrich existing research in optical time standards and metrology, in-vivo biological imaging, and ultrafast spectroscopy. No such facility is presently available in AustraliaRead moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. The mission of our Centre is to use gravitational waves to investigate the fundamental nature of relativistic gravity, ultra-dense matter, and cosmology. This will generate critical discoveries that cement Australia's leadership role in the gravitational wave mega-science instruments of the 2030s and 2040s. By bringing together a world-class team with broad and complementary expe ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. The mission of our Centre is to use gravitational waves to investigate the fundamental nature of relativistic gravity, ultra-dense matter, and cosmology. This will generate critical discoveries that cement Australia's leadership role in the gravitational wave mega-science instruments of the 2030s and 2040s. By bringing together a world-class team with broad and complementary expertise we will develop core technologies for future detectors, discover new sources of gravitational waves, probe fundamental physics, and lay the foundations for an Australian gravitational wave observatory. Our discoveries will inspire Australia's youth to pursue high tech careers and position our staff and students to become leaders in both industry and academia.Read moreRead less