Novel collision experiments with metastable neon atoms in an atom trap. The aim of this project is to investigate collisions involving atoms in long lived excited states (metastable states). The project will utilise a magneto-optical trap to investigate electron-atom collisions as well as interatomic collisions for ultra-cold atoms. The outcomes of such investigations extend scientific knowledge of these important processes as a well as provide data for testing fundamental scattering theories. T ....Novel collision experiments with metastable neon atoms in an atom trap. The aim of this project is to investigate collisions involving atoms in long lived excited states (metastable states). The project will utilise a magneto-optical trap to investigate electron-atom collisions as well as interatomic collisions for ultra-cold atoms. The outcomes of such investigations extend scientific knowledge of these important processes as a well as provide data for testing fundamental scattering theories. This scientific knowledge may lead to further technological advances such as more efficient light sources or a metastable-atom laser that could be used for the production of nano-scale electric circuits.Read moreRead less
Probing new physics with atomic parity violation. This project aims to provide a new level of rigour in tests of the standard model of particle physics at low energies, and to reveal or more tightly constrain new particles or forces. This will involve the development of state-of-the-art atomic theory techniques and collaboration with world-leading experimental groups. The expected outcomes and benefits include a breakthrough in the precision of atomic theory calculations, new insights into nucle ....Probing new physics with atomic parity violation. This project aims to provide a new level of rigour in tests of the standard model of particle physics at low energies, and to reveal or more tightly constrain new particles or forces. This will involve the development of state-of-the-art atomic theory techniques and collaboration with world-leading experimental groups. The expected outcomes and benefits include a breakthrough in the precision of atomic theory calculations, new insights into nuclear magnetic structure, improved determination of fundamental particle physics parameters, stronger ties with the international experimental community, enhancing Australian leadership and expertise, and high-level training of the next generation of scientists.Read moreRead less
Electron scattering and transport for plasma-liquid interactions. The project aims to address the emerging technologies associated with the interaction of plasmas with liquids and biological matter, including plasma medicine. The project expects to generate new knowledge on the role of electron-induced processes through the development of complete and accurate sets of microscopic cross-sections for electrons with biomolecules within tissue. This microscopic data will inform new microscopic model ....Electron scattering and transport for plasma-liquid interactions. The project aims to address the emerging technologies associated with the interaction of plasmas with liquids and biological matter, including plasma medicine. The project expects to generate new knowledge on the role of electron-induced processes through the development of complete and accurate sets of microscopic cross-sections for electrons with biomolecules within tissue. This microscopic data will inform new microscopic models for non-equilibrium electron transport in liquids and biological matter, and its coupling to plasmas. The expected outcomes of this project include progress towards the optimisation of safety/efficacy of future generation plasma medicine devices through detailed understanding of plasma-biological tissue interactions.Read moreRead less
Low-energy electron transport in soft-condensed biological matter. To obtain optimal accuracy and selectivity of ionising radiation based technologies requires an understanding and quantification of the underpinning fundamental physical processes. This project will focus on developing accurate theoretical models of low-energy electron transport in biological matter which account for new physical mechanisms.
Fundamental tests of Quantum Mechanics with the Atom Laser. This is high profile scientific research that is important to Australia's standing in the world scientific community. Atom optics was singled out as a key area of Australian science through the formation of the ARC Centre for Quantum Atom Optics in 2003, and is in the Breakthrough Science category of the Frontier Technologies priority funding area. The experimental schemes developed in this proposal contribute to the already strong expe ....Fundamental tests of Quantum Mechanics with the Atom Laser. This is high profile scientific research that is important to Australia's standing in the world scientific community. Atom optics was singled out as a key area of Australian science through the formation of the ARC Centre for Quantum Atom Optics in 2003, and is in the Breakthrough Science category of the Frontier Technologies priority funding area. The experimental schemes developed in this proposal contribute to the already strong experimental atom optics research in Australia. In order to remain at the forefront of fundamental physics research, Australia must maintain a world-class research effort in this area. Read moreRead less
Quantum computing with trapped ions. Computers are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offers new and revolutionary solutions to limitations of current computers by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Our research is focused on improving the speed, size and reliability of ion-trap quantum computers. Small ion-trap quantum computers have already ....Quantum computing with trapped ions. Computers are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offers new and revolutionary solutions to limitations of current computers by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Our research is focused on improving the speed, size and reliability of ion-trap quantum computers. Small ion-trap quantum computers have already been demonstrated and a clear roadmap exists toward large-scale quantum computation.Read moreRead less
Ebb and flow of superfluids: Bose-Einstein condensates far from equilibrium. We will develop and test a new theory to describe the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), and gain insight into the physics of coherence, turbulence, and phase transitions. This proposal will strengthen Australia's reputation for excellence in the field of ultra-cold gases, and develop significant international linkages in this important area of physics. We will train a number of students in high-level problem ....Ebb and flow of superfluids: Bose-Einstein condensates far from equilibrium. We will develop and test a new theory to describe the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), and gain insight into the physics of coherence, turbulence, and phase transitions. This proposal will strengthen Australia's reputation for excellence in the field of ultra-cold gases, and develop significant international linkages in this important area of physics. We will train a number of students in high-level problem solving and computing, transferrable skills ever more important in Australia's growing knowledge-based economy. Improved understanding of how BECs behave will assist in their development as sensitive measurement devices, with possible intellectual property benefits in the future as we learn to tame these unique systems.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in Bose-Einstein Condensates on atom chips. The field of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) has recently seen some remarkable achievements. Researchers are now able to produce and
manipulate BECs in magnetic microtraps formed by current carrying wires patterned onto a substrate (atom chip). This project extends work in this field to the investigation of physics at the quantum/classical boundary through the study of the dynamics of BECs on atom chips. By probing a no ....Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in Bose-Einstein Condensates on atom chips. The field of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) has recently seen some remarkable achievements. Researchers are now able to produce and
manipulate BECs in magnetic microtraps formed by current carrying wires patterned onto a substrate (atom chip). This project extends work in this field to the investigation of physics at the quantum/classical boundary through the study of the dynamics of BECs on atom chips. By probing a nonlinear system with a BEC we will examine how the quantum mechanics affects classically chaotic dynamics. We will also examine the classically forbidden phenomena of dynamical tunnelling and localisation.Read moreRead less
Heavy atoms and ions and precision tests of fundamental physics. This project aims to further the understanding of the structure of heavy atoms through development and application of state-of-the-art many-electron methods. Atomic physics is undergoing a period of rapid growth with a new generation of experiments underway across different areas in fundamental physics. This includes testing particle physics at low energies, opening a new realm of discovery with the synthesis and interrogation of s ....Heavy atoms and ions and precision tests of fundamental physics. This project aims to further the understanding of the structure of heavy atoms through development and application of state-of-the-art many-electron methods. Atomic physics is undergoing a period of rapid growth with a new generation of experiments underway across different areas in fundamental physics. This includes testing particle physics at low energies, opening a new realm of discovery with the synthesis and interrogation of superheavy elements, and the development of atomic clocks of ever-increasing precision. The expected benefit will be to increase capability in fundamental physics tests and in the development of precision atomic instruments.Read moreRead less
A Photonic Interconnect for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing. Computer networks are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offer revolutionary solutions to current limitations by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Quantum encryption offers completely secure communication. There have been small-scale demonstrations of these technologies, and clear roa ....A Photonic Interconnect for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing. Computer networks are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offer revolutionary solutions to current limitations by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Quantum encryption offers completely secure communication. There have been small-scale demonstrations of these technologies, and clear roadmaps exist for large-scale implementations. We will advance the state of the art by interconnecting light based quantum communication and trapped ion quantum computing together with phase Fresnel lenses, a micro-fabricated optic similar to a computer generated holographic plate.Read moreRead less