Rapid detection of rare-event cells by strong UP-conversion
encoded nano-radiators (SUPER Dots): finding a needle in a haystack. Current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect cancer in its very early stages or early recurrence following treatment. The new technologies developed by this project will be able to find single cancer cells in blood and urine samples heralding a new era in medical diagnostics.
Beyond Spectral Detection: Engineering SUPER Dot Probes for High-Throughput Discovery. Molecules that are altered as a result of a pathological condition are generally present in very low abundance, and pose a “needle-in-a-haystack” problem. Current detection, quantification and localisation technologies use fluorescent probes that are limited by sensitivity and analysis time. This project will develop a new generation of nanophotonic luminescent probes (Strong Upconversion Photo-stable Encoded ....Beyond Spectral Detection: Engineering SUPER Dot Probes for High-Throughput Discovery. Molecules that are altered as a result of a pathological condition are generally present in very low abundance, and pose a “needle-in-a-haystack” problem. Current detection, quantification and localisation technologies use fluorescent probes that are limited by sensitivity and analysis time. This project will develop a new generation of nanophotonic luminescent probes (Strong Upconversion Photo-stable Encoded nano-Radiators (SUPER) Dots), based on purpose-engineered up-conversion nanocrystals that are ultra-bright and have low background interference, high specificity, speed, and large-scale multiplexing capacity. These probes will allow microscopy and flow cytometry to measure hitherto undetectable rare-event molecules and cells, opening new frontiers for the discovery of new biomarkers.Read moreRead less
Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and ....Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and identification protocols for illicit substances.Read moreRead less
Technology optimisation of integrated circuits with applications to wireless communication systems in medicine. This project will define and verify methods to help engineers pick the best technology for designing critical wireless monitoring systems used for medical devices. This project will also verify these methods by developing a wireless, implantable blood pressure monitor with real-time video.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101329
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Ultra-stable photonic-chip pulse source. An ultra-low noise high repetition photonic-chip pulse source is proposed. This ultra-stable device offers orders-of-magnitude improvements over existing solutions and holds potential for strong improvements to analogue-to-digital converters. The laser will be a crucial component for photonic integrated circuits, enabling millimetre size processing.
Unleashing terahertz radiation through the marriage of solid state laser and photonic crystal technology. Terahertz (THz) radiation holds enormous potential to improve the security and well being of Australians, but its application has been largely restricted to the laboratory. By using photonic crystals (structures responsible for shimmer of opals and butterfly wings) this project will generate a new technology enabling its practical and widespread application.