Multiphoton microscopy through tissue turbid media. The aim of this proposal is to conduct the collaborative project on multi-photon microscopic imaging through biological tissue, which has been recently initiated between Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It will integrate the special skills, two-photon fluorescence endoscopy and second-harmonic coherence tomography, investigated in the respective collaborating institutes, to develop a nove ....Multiphoton microscopy through tissue turbid media. The aim of this proposal is to conduct the collaborative project on multi-photon microscopic imaging through biological tissue, which has been recently initiated between Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It will integrate the special skills, two-photon fluorescence endoscopy and second-harmonic coherence tomography, investigated in the respective collaborating institutes, to develop a novel method for detecting/imaging cancer cells that are located at 1 mm below tissue surfaces, while they are still in the early stage to be cured. Consequently, a diagnostic method for early cancer detection particularly through skin tissue becomes possible.Read moreRead less
Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback ....Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback self-mixing effect, (2) a new approach for measuring LEF and C based on the proposed model, (3) signal processing algorithms for improving the performance of the proposed approach, and (4) an OFSM system prototype based on the new model and algorithms.Read moreRead less
Novel High-Q Resonant Structures for Space and Telecommunications. High-Q microwave resonators with low spurious mode density have important applications in telecommunications, radar, navigation, precision metrology and time standards. We will develop high-Q resonators by constructing a dielectric Bragg resonators using monocrystalline sapphire loaded in a copper cavity with new cylindrical and spherical geometries. Based on these devices, compact and economical state-of-the-art ultra-low noise ....Novel High-Q Resonant Structures for Space and Telecommunications. High-Q microwave resonators with low spurious mode density have important applications in telecommunications, radar, navigation, precision metrology and time standards. We will develop high-Q resonators by constructing a dielectric Bragg resonators using monocrystalline sapphire loaded in a copper cavity with new cylindrical and spherical geometries. Based on these devices, compact and economical state-of-the-art ultra-low noise microwave oscillators and hydrogen masers will be built for the telecommunications market and space applications.Read moreRead less
Discovering the First Generation of Stars in the Galaxy - The Most Metal-Poor Stars. The most metal-poor stars carry a fossil record of the early chemical and dynamical evolution of the Galaxy. The most interesting objects are those with the lowest metal abundances representing the earliest generation of stars in the Galaxy. The aim of the present project is to extend the mining of the HES objective spectra to identify extremely metal-deficient giants, which together with the already identified ....Discovering the First Generation of Stars in the Galaxy - The Most Metal-Poor Stars. The most metal-poor stars carry a fossil record of the early chemical and dynamical evolution of the Galaxy. The most interesting objects are those with the lowest metal abundances representing the earliest generation of stars in the Galaxy. The aim of the present project is to extend the mining of the HES objective spectra to identify extremely metal-deficient giants, which together with the already identified dwarfs will be further distilled using 6dF and the DBS. We anticipate trebling the total number of the most metal deficient stars known and targeting these for observations with 8m telescopes.Read moreRead less
Biomechanics of Needle Insertion. Needle insertion is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures. However, the biomechanics of this process is poorly understood. The unknown factors include brain tissue deformation under load imposed by the needle and needle deflection when penetrating brain tissue. We will develop computational models of needle insertion. They will include non-linear material properties of the brain tissue, large deformations, and needle-tissue contact model including fric ....Biomechanics of Needle Insertion. Needle insertion is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures. However, the biomechanics of this process is poorly understood. The unknown factors include brain tissue deformation under load imposed by the needle and needle deflection when penetrating brain tissue. We will develop computational models of needle insertion. They will include non-linear material properties of the brain tissue, large deformations, and needle-tissue contact model including friction. The Japanese group will develop testing methods to validate mathematical models. Experimental set-up includes bi-axial x-ray to measure deformation within the tissue and needle deflection, and a sensor measuring reaction force on needle tip and friction force on needle sides.Read moreRead less
Computational biomechanics for image-guided neurosurgery. Our results will lead to significant improvements to the efficacy and efficiency of image-guided neurosurgery for brain tumours. Visualisation of the intra-operative configuration of the patient's brain, obtained by sparse intra-operative MRI, merged with high resolution pre-operative imaging data will become possible. In current practice, the neurosurgeon must mentally fuse the information from pre-operative fMRI and DTI by projecting it ....Computational biomechanics for image-guided neurosurgery. Our results will lead to significant improvements to the efficacy and efficiency of image-guided neurosurgery for brain tumours. Visualisation of the intra-operative configuration of the patient's brain, obtained by sparse intra-operative MRI, merged with high resolution pre-operative imaging data will become possible. In current practice, the neurosurgeon must mentally fuse the information from pre-operative fMRI and DTI by projecting it through the 3D spatial and temporal changes the patient's brain has undergone. We propose to replace this mental fusion with computations based on the biomechanical model that will allow visualisation of the transformed pre-operative data matched to the current shape of the patient's brain.Read moreRead less
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
ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence now growing that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, a race is underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union have recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarct ....ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence now growing that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, a race is underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union have recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a view to constructing a so-called 'Great Observatory'. Australia's participation in this network ensures continued technology exchange and builds our knowledge base in robotics, harsh-environment engineering and computational fluid dynamics, while creating important new astronomical opportunities.Read moreRead less
The standard quantum limit and beyond collaboration. Achievement of a limit never before reached in measuring the position of a macroscopic object will produce a new world record for Australia, breaking that limit is akin to breaking the 4 minute mile - a feat previously thought impossible. Not only will this create national pride in our ability to innovate, but the optical technology developed with the opening of the new field of sub-quantum interferometry has the potential to generate tangibl ....The standard quantum limit and beyond collaboration. Achievement of a limit never before reached in measuring the position of a macroscopic object will produce a new world record for Australia, breaking that limit is akin to breaking the 4 minute mile - a feat previously thought impossible. Not only will this create national pride in our ability to innovate, but the optical technology developed with the opening of the new field of sub-quantum interferometry has the potential to generate tangible benefits for Australian industry. This proposal will produce scientists highly trained in technologies related to emerging industries such as photonics.Read moreRead less
ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, efforts are underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union has recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a ....ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, efforts are underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union has recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a view to constructing a so-called 'Great Observatory'. Australia's participation in this network ensures continued technology exchange and builds our knowledge base in robotics, harsh-environment engineering and computational fluid dynamics, while creating important new astronomical opportunities.Read moreRead less