Reaction transition states of halide-cluster complexes via velocity-map imaging of photoelectrons. This study will investigate the transition point between the reactants and products of a chemical reaction using a novel photoelectron imaging technique, velocity-map imaging. It is this region of chemical reactions that is the least understood. By combining the use of weakly bound negatively charged clusters and laser photodetachment of these clusters, information can be gleaned about these transi ....Reaction transition states of halide-cluster complexes via velocity-map imaging of photoelectrons. This study will investigate the transition point between the reactants and products of a chemical reaction using a novel photoelectron imaging technique, velocity-map imaging. It is this region of chemical reactions that is the least understood. By combining the use of weakly bound negatively charged clusters and laser photodetachment of these clusters, information can be gleaned about these transition states. The technique will be applied to an important class of halide-cluster complexes that form a set of prototypical reactions. These species also play important roles ranging from ozone depletion through to industrial chemistry.Read moreRead less
Imaging chemical reaction dynamics from the transition state to reaction products. Chemical reactions play a key role in many atmospheric, environmental and industrial processes. An understanding of reactions at the molecular level will lead to significant economic benefits, through more efficient reaction control, and through the identification of the key environmental factors which influence why particular reactions proceed. Our study of chemical reaction dynamics has been driven by technolo ....Imaging chemical reaction dynamics from the transition state to reaction products. Chemical reactions play a key role in many atmospheric, environmental and industrial processes. An understanding of reactions at the molecular level will lead to significant economic benefits, through more efficient reaction control, and through the identification of the key environmental factors which influence why particular reactions proceed. Our study of chemical reaction dynamics has been driven by technological advances which enable key stages of a reaction to be imaged and studied at the molecular level. Read moreRead less
Positronic Atoms - A Search for Positron Bound States. An experimental verification of positron bound states will solve a long standing problem in positron physics. A clear understanding of positron binding and the underlying mechanisms will open a new era in low-energy positron-atom/molecular physics, leading the way for breakthrough sciences. For instance, a positron bound state should enhance the annihilation rate between the positron and target valence electron. Positron annihilation, to pro ....Positronic Atoms - A Search for Positron Bound States. An experimental verification of positron bound states will solve a long standing problem in positron physics. A clear understanding of positron binding and the underlying mechanisms will open a new era in low-energy positron-atom/molecular physics, leading the way for breakthrough sciences. For instance, a positron bound state should enhance the annihilation rate between the positron and target valence electron. Positron annihilation, to produce two gamma rays, is a key process in both materials research (e.g. as already heavily employed in defect detection) and bio-medical treatments (e.g. the Positron Emission Tomography, or PET).Read moreRead less
A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. We are proposing to combine new, state-of-the-art detector technology and innovative experimental techniques in the development of A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. This device will enable precise and highly efficient studies on the structure of molecules and their interactions with the physical world. It will be applied to a broad range of problems in contemporary atomic and molecular physics, and will lead to new insights into the dynamics of such re ....A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. We are proposing to combine new, state-of-the-art detector technology and innovative experimental techniques in the development of A Microscope for Molecular Reactions. This device will enable precise and highly efficient studies on the structure of molecules and their interactions with the physical world. It will be applied to a broad range of problems in contemporary atomic and molecular physics, and will lead to new insights into the dynamics of such reactions and their role in our everyday lives.Read moreRead less
Benchmark Studies of Positron Interactions with Helium. Australia has been at the forefront of experimental studies of electron-driven processes and theoretical descriptions of positron interactions. A new experimental program to study experimental low energy positron atomic physics provides a perfect synergy of these two areas of expertise. The field is a relatively new and emerging one and is focused around a number of new experimental approaches, such as those being developed at the Austral ....Benchmark Studies of Positron Interactions with Helium. Australia has been at the forefront of experimental studies of electron-driven processes and theoretical descriptions of positron interactions. A new experimental program to study experimental low energy positron atomic physics provides a perfect synergy of these two areas of expertise. The field is a relatively new and emerging one and is focused around a number of new experimental approaches, such as those being developed at the Australian National University. This set of experiments, on positron interactions with helium, will provide new experimental evidence to further our understanding of fundamental quantum processes and place Australia at the forefront of the field.Read moreRead less
Boosting C4 photosynthesis to climate proof crop yields. Building next generation C4 crops, such as maize, sugarcane and sorghum, to cope with drought and heat stress is requisite to ensure the supply of food and fodder. Here we will increase the content and / or catalytic efficiency of the primary carboxylase of C4 photosynthesis (PEPC) that supplies CO2 to the carbon concentrating mechanism and ensures high photosynthetic rates. We will develop new SynBio tools to create and test novel PEPC is ....Boosting C4 photosynthesis to climate proof crop yields. Building next generation C4 crops, such as maize, sugarcane and sorghum, to cope with drought and heat stress is requisite to ensure the supply of food and fodder. Here we will increase the content and / or catalytic efficiency of the primary carboxylase of C4 photosynthesis (PEPC) that supplies CO2 to the carbon concentrating mechanism and ensures high photosynthetic rates. We will develop new SynBio tools to create and test novel PEPC isoforms with desirable properties. Ultimately, the project aims to identify isoforms that improve plant fitness under stress conditions. Optimising PEPC activity will provide next generation solutions to improve water balance and carbon assimilation to keep C4 crops productive under future climates.Read moreRead less
Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian the ....Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian theorists are preeminent, and the research training will
produce PhD graduates with a high-level ability in numerical modelling
using supercomputers. Such skills are essential in many defense,
information and nano-technology applications of national priority.
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Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoret ....Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical and experimental tools with the aim of understanding how the electron correlation interplays with the
superstrong electromagnetic field. This will provide insight into fundamental processes of interaction of intense laser pulses with matter which are important in a wide range of applications.
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Atomic Ionization on the Attosecond Time Scale. Electrons emit light, carry electric current, and bind atoms together to form molecules. Insight into their atomic-scale motion is the key to understanding the functioning of biological systems, developing efficient sources of x-ray light, and speeding up electronics. Capturing this electron motion requires attosecond (one quintillionth of a second) time resolution. Our research aims to understand and accurately model fundamental atomic processes ....Atomic Ionization on the Attosecond Time Scale. Electrons emit light, carry electric current, and bind atoms together to form molecules. Insight into their atomic-scale motion is the key to understanding the functioning of biological systems, developing efficient sources of x-ray light, and speeding up electronics. Capturing this electron motion requires attosecond (one quintillionth of a second) time resolution. Our research aims to understand and accurately model fundamental atomic processes taking place on the attosecond time scale. This research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where Australian theorists are preeminent, and the research training will produce PhD graduates with the skills essential in a multitude of nano-technology applications. Read moreRead less
Exploring the catalytic role of the Rubisco small subunit: a new target for improving carbon dioxide-fixation in plants. This project uses new biotechnological tools to improve the performance of the photosynthetic protein Rubisco, the primary carbon dioxide-fixing enzyme in plants. By supercharging photosynthesis, this research will help to boost yield and reduce water and nitrogen use in crops.