Skin penetration of nanoparticles promoted by particle design, formulation and application method. This project seeks to better define the determinants of nanoparticle skin penetration and subsequent disposition in the body. The data would be used to guide minimal skin penetration of 'undesirable' nanoparticles and the properties required of 'safe' nanoparticles to enable effective human skin delivery in cosmetic and dermatological products.
Ultrafast, near infrared laser sources using fibre-based optical parametric oscillators. This project will use microstructured optical fibres and nonlinear optics to create compact and cheap laser sources in the near infrared spectrum to replace the bulky and expensive devices in many spectroscopic and biophotonic applications today. The work will further enhance Australia's standing in the field of nonlinear optics and optical fibres.
Novel source of excited metastable atoms for Atom Trap Trace Analysis. This project aims to understand and to control light-induced processes in atoms by using finely shaped and tailored laser pulses, focusing on efficient production of excited metastable atoms. This is critical for efficient Atom Trap Trace Analysis, the most advanced technique for dating ground water and geological samples. Expected outcomes of this project include new and enhanced knowledge of physics of light-matter interact ....Novel source of excited metastable atoms for Atom Trap Trace Analysis. This project aims to understand and to control light-induced processes in atoms by using finely shaped and tailored laser pulses, focusing on efficient production of excited metastable atoms. This is critical for efficient Atom Trap Trace Analysis, the most advanced technique for dating ground water and geological samples. Expected outcomes of this project include new and enhanced knowledge of physics of light-matter interactions, developing an efficient, clean source of excited metastable atoms, and integrating that source into the Australian National Facility for dating geological samples. This should provide significant benefits, such as significant improvement of operational efficiency and productivity of that facility.Read moreRead less
Paradigm Shift in Mid-IR Fibre Laser. This project introduces a paradigm shift in 3.5µm mid-IR fibre lasers. A new laser process will be investigated to obtain high-power, simple and robust mid-IR fibre laser design. We will use advanced spectroscopy to characterize the fibre laser dynamics, computer modelling to optimize the laser design, and demonstrate the concept experimentally. The new design will enable agile, high precision polymer processing tailored to the unique absorption lines of car ....Paradigm Shift in Mid-IR Fibre Laser. This project introduces a paradigm shift in 3.5µm mid-IR fibre lasers. A new laser process will be investigated to obtain high-power, simple and robust mid-IR fibre laser design. We will use advanced spectroscopy to characterize the fibre laser dynamics, computer modelling to optimize the laser design, and demonstrate the concept experimentally. The new design will enable agile, high precision polymer processing tailored to the unique absorption lines of carbon-hydrogen bonds in different polymers where there is currently a lack of high power, high brightness low-cost light sources. It will also open the door for very high-resolution laser assisted glass 3D-printing. The project will give Australia a new edge in advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less
Three-Mode interactions and optical springs in high power optical cavities. Gravitational waves are tiny vibrations of space and time which carry vast energy. They will allow the first direct observation of black holes. To make frequent detections this project will harness the force of intense laser light, and use this force to improve the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors.
Sub-wavelength light confinement. This project will introduce and demonstrate new concepts for confining and patterning light on sub-wavelength scales. Building on Australian expertise in optical fibre technologies, this fundamental research will enhance Australia's position at the forefront of international research in the nanoscale control of light. These concepts also promise to lead to patentable new tools for ultra high-resolution imaging and for manipulating materials. This project will en ....Sub-wavelength light confinement. This project will introduce and demonstrate new concepts for confining and patterning light on sub-wavelength scales. Building on Australian expertise in optical fibre technologies, this fundamental research will enhance Australia's position at the forefront of international research in the nanoscale control of light. These concepts also promise to lead to patentable new tools for ultra high-resolution imaging and for manipulating materials. This project will enhance Australia's international links, build on a range of national research programs, and provide training of researchers in photonics, which will be of benefit to Australian industry and research.Read moreRead less
Detection of infrared-biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of canine neoplasia. This research hopes to discover infrared-biomarkers for canine cancers using synchrotron infrared and laser light. Many dog cancers are similar to human cancers so cancerous tissues and cells from dogs make excellent models for human cancer research. This project will provide new insights and technological approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Cross sections for electron scattering from molecules and radicals of technological and environmental relevance. We will use two state of the art crossed beam spectrometers to measure absolute differential and integral cross sections for low energy electron scattering from molecules and their molecular fragments (radicals). The species to be considered are those of significant industrial (e.g. C2F4, C4F8 and CF2) and environmental (e.g. CO2 and H2O) interest, with the cross sections we will mea ....Cross sections for electron scattering from molecules and radicals of technological and environmental relevance. We will use two state of the art crossed beam spectrometers to measure absolute differential and integral cross sections for low energy electron scattering from molecules and their molecular fragments (radicals). The species to be considered are those of significant industrial (e.g. C2F4, C4F8 and CF2) and environmental (e.g. CO2 and H2O) interest, with the cross sections we will measure being crucial to our modelling both the processes involved in plasma enhanced chemical vapour desposition of semiconductor devices and the spectral emission characteristics of planetary atmospheres. The modelling will be conducted self-consistently with our enhanced statistical equilibrium simulation code, which is unique to Australia.Read moreRead less
Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpi ....Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpin the rational design of drugs for the treatment of a range of human health conditions. This project will also provide training of young researchers to the highest international standards in mass spectrometry and protein science, for benefit to Australian industry and research.Read moreRead less
The Geochemistry of Tellurium in Hydrothermal Environments and the Gold-Tellurium Association. Gold and base metal mining are some of Australia's principal export earners. Thus, improving the country's mining and geological exploration capabilities will be a considerable economic benefit to the whole community. The results of the project will yield information concerning how gold deposits form, improved techniques for gold exploration, and more environmentally friendly techniques for the process ....The Geochemistry of Tellurium in Hydrothermal Environments and the Gold-Tellurium Association. Gold and base metal mining are some of Australia's principal export earners. Thus, improving the country's mining and geological exploration capabilities will be a considerable economic benefit to the whole community. The results of the project will yield information concerning how gold deposits form, improved techniques for gold exploration, and more environmentally friendly techniques for the processing of gold-telluride ores. Read moreRead less