Nanoscale nonlinear optics. Advances in nanotechnology have led to the realisation of nanoscale photonic components that enable integration within electronic chips. Now the challenge is to make these components perform computing functions themselves, thus providing ultra-high operation speeds and reducing power consumption. This project will utilize the intensity dependent interaction of light with metal-dielectric nanostructures to establish new processing functions of the photonic components. ....Nanoscale nonlinear optics. Advances in nanotechnology have led to the realisation of nanoscale photonic components that enable integration within electronic chips. Now the challenge is to make these components perform computing functions themselves, thus providing ultra-high operation speeds and reducing power consumption. This project will utilize the intensity dependent interaction of light with metal-dielectric nanostructures to establish new processing functions of the photonic components. Our research underpins integration of photonics in future generations of computers and enables novel applications in subwavelength optical imaging and sensing. This project will therefore strongly enhance the standing of Australia in the field of nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date ....Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date provide sub-optimal performance. Innovative designs with improved performance will be developed by tailoring both the optical and thermal properties of planar photonic crystal stuctures. Devices designed during this project will subsequently be fabricated at facilities in France.Read moreRead less
Electronic properties of diamondlike carbon for applications in planar optical waveguides. This project will explore new applications of diamondlike carbon in the area of integrated optics for telecommunications systems. Diamondlike carbon offers opportunities to create novel electro-optic devices owing to its high refractive index and its ability to be deposited directly onto silicon substrates. This project will conduct a thorough study of the electronic properties of diamondlike carbon depo ....Electronic properties of diamondlike carbon for applications in planar optical waveguides. This project will explore new applications of diamondlike carbon in the area of integrated optics for telecommunications systems. Diamondlike carbon offers opportunities to create novel electro-optic devices owing to its high refractive index and its ability to be deposited directly onto silicon substrates. This project will conduct a thorough study of the electronic properties of diamondlike carbon deposited by two techniques and develop potential niche applications in the $5 billion integrated optical telecommunications devices. The work will combine fundamental studies of thin film electronic properties with leading edge industry applications of technology and provide an excellent research training opportunity.Read moreRead less
Preparation and analysis of amorphous GaN thin films. Researchers in New Zealand have developed novel processing techniques to prepare amorphous and partially crystalline gallium nitride thin films with potential application as green-blue-UV opto-electronic devices. However, characterization of the film structure using electron microscopy is essential to understand the relationship between processing conditions and opto-electronic properties. The aim of this project is to draw together specialis ....Preparation and analysis of amorphous GaN thin films. Researchers in New Zealand have developed novel processing techniques to prepare amorphous and partially crystalline gallium nitride thin films with potential application as green-blue-UV opto-electronic devices. However, characterization of the film structure using electron microscopy is essential to understand the relationship between processing conditions and opto-electronic properties. The aim of this project is to draw together specialist expertise and equipment that allows integration of microscopy into the development of these films. Australian researchers will gain access to specialized preparation and testing facilities in New Zealand, whilst researchers from New Zealand will perform structural analysis of these films in Australia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775729
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,000.00
Summary
Improved understanding of nanoscale materials - structure, composition, crystallography and defects revealed by electron imaging and analysis at high spatial resolution. Modern materials scientists and engineers are driven by world-wide competition to develop new technology and manufactured devices. The trend has for some time been towards miniaturisation and one of the main challenges lies in effectively characterising nanostructures that are produced as a key step in research and development o ....Improved understanding of nanoscale materials - structure, composition, crystallography and defects revealed by electron imaging and analysis at high spatial resolution. Modern materials scientists and engineers are driven by world-wide competition to develop new technology and manufactured devices. The trend has for some time been towards miniaturisation and one of the main challenges lies in effectively characterising nanostructures that are produced as a key step in research and development of advanced materials. The proposed electron microscope and detectors will provide a state-of-the-art analytical facility to support the cross-disciplinary materials science and nanotechnology research at the Australian National University. It will also provide an important training facility for students and early-career researchers and will be available to investigators from other Australian institutions.Read moreRead less
Integration of III-V semiconductor nanowires on silicon platform. This proposal is at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The outcomes are expected to be of great interest to a broad spectrum of industry sectors and academic researchers, including optical communications and microelectronics industries, biological and chemical sensing and national health. This novel material system will be used for the next generation of photonic/electronic devices and to develop advanced 3D optoelec ....Integration of III-V semiconductor nanowires on silicon platform. This proposal is at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The outcomes are expected to be of great interest to a broad spectrum of industry sectors and academic researchers, including optical communications and microelectronics industries, biological and chemical sensing and national health. This novel material system will be used for the next generation of photonic/electronic devices and to develop advanced 3D optoelectronic integrated circuits. The success of this project will enhance Australia's international scientific reputation, stimulate local expertise, and help create vibrant new industries.Read moreRead less
Power scaling of remote plasma sources for gallium nitride film growth with real-time monitoring of activated nitrogen species. Domestic, industrial and community lighting currently accounts for ~20% of the world's overall energy consumption. Commonly used incandescent lights are based on inefficient, century-old technologies. In contrast, light emitting diodes (LEDs) use ~80% less energy and last ~100 times longer. LED deployment will bring substantial economic and environmental benefits for Au ....Power scaling of remote plasma sources for gallium nitride film growth with real-time monitoring of activated nitrogen species. Domestic, industrial and community lighting currently accounts for ~20% of the world's overall energy consumption. Commonly used incandescent lights are based on inefficient, century-old technologies. In contrast, light emitting diodes (LEDs) use ~80% less energy and last ~100 times longer. LED deployment will bring substantial economic and environmental benefits for Australia and globally. Next generation high-efficiency LEDs for lighting, will operate with reduced energy consumption, thus contributing to reaching future national targets for CO2 emission reduction. This project will achieve reduced production cost of a key LED material, and will support Australia's leadership in a growing global semiconductor manufacturing industry.Read moreRead less
Silicon Photonic Platform for Quantum Encryption and Communications. The integrity of a secure communications link can mean the difference between life and death in a defence environment. In the civilian arena, the security of electronic financial transactions is also critical to guard against 'cyber' theft. Encryption of data using unique quantum 'noise' as a key has been proposed as an exceptionally strong approach. Attempts to intercept the key during transmission can easily be detected.
....Silicon Photonic Platform for Quantum Encryption and Communications. The integrity of a secure communications link can mean the difference between life and death in a defence environment. In the civilian arena, the security of electronic financial transactions is also critical to guard against 'cyber' theft. Encryption of data using unique quantum 'noise' as a key has been proposed as an exceptionally strong approach. Attempts to intercept the key during transmission can easily be detected.
Quantum key transmission has been demonstrated but requires impractically expensive, bulky and exotic equipment. This project will explore low-cost, silicon chip based quantum key transfer modules. Our aim is to render quantum encryption as simple as adding an expansion card to a standard computer or portable device.Read moreRead less
New generation of hyperspectral infrared photon detectors. Although highly desirable for many applications, tuneable, on chip, infrared photon detectors are not yet available. The approach described in this application aims to develop a technology for high performance, on chip, infrared photon detectors that can be tuned over a wide wavelength range. By applying a novel in-house developed semiconductor process and a multi-disciplinary approach, this project aims to develop such devices by combin ....New generation of hyperspectral infrared photon detectors. Although highly desirable for many applications, tuneable, on chip, infrared photon detectors are not yet available. The approach described in this application aims to develop a technology for high performance, on chip, infrared photon detectors that can be tuned over a wide wavelength range. By applying a novel in-house developed semiconductor process and a multi-disciplinary approach, this project aims to develop such devices by combining, for the first time, micromachined tuneable optical microcavities with high performance HgCdTe-based infrared detectors.Read moreRead less
Quantum Nanoscience. This project will deliver a new Australian capability in the core nanotechnology of quantum electromechanical systems. Nanotechnology is a suite of techniques and processes to create new materials and devices through complex processing of constituents at the nanoscale and, in the case of quantum electromechanical systems, even with moving parts. At the nanoscale, quantum principles apply. New nano-fabrication methods are now available to build nano-electromechanical systems ....Quantum Nanoscience. This project will deliver a new Australian capability in the core nanotechnology of quantum electromechanical systems. Nanotechnology is a suite of techniques and processes to create new materials and devices through complex processing of constituents at the nanoscale and, in the case of quantum electromechanical systems, even with moving parts. At the nanoscale, quantum principles apply. New nano-fabrication methods are now available to build nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS), integrated with electronics and nano optics and cooled into the quantum regime. Quantum electromechanical systems (QEMS) enable new sensors with ultimate sensitivity limited only by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, with applications in photonics, metrology and bio molecular imaging.Read moreRead less