Microscopic many-body quantum dynamics: new approaches for fundamental science and applications. A new approach to create and validate a fundamental microscopic quantum theory of interactions of composite systems, like molecules and nuclei, by exploiting ideal features of nuclear reactions such as fusion will be developed. This will have broad impact in interdisciplinary areas from astrophysics and molecular reactions to future nanotechnologies.
New directions for nuclear structure research in Australia. Studies of exotic nuclei far from stability with novel devices will support Australia's only top-level research effort in nuclear structure. The research will have fundamental impacts on our understanding of both the nucleus and stellar nucleosynthesis, as well as practical implications for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors.
Fusion Energy and the Physics of Burning Plasmas. The world faces a global energy crisis. Our standard of living, which is largely powered by base-load electricity supply, is unsustainable. Fusion power is a near zero greenhouse gas technology, which promises millions of years of base-load electricity, free from weapon proliferation. This promise has galvanised the international community to accelerate fusion development by committing to the next-step technology-enabling $16 billion experiment, ....Fusion Energy and the Physics of Burning Plasmas. The world faces a global energy crisis. Our standard of living, which is largely powered by base-load electricity supply, is unsustainable. Fusion power is a near zero greenhouse gas technology, which promises millions of years of base-load electricity, free from weapon proliferation. This promise has galvanised the international community to accelerate fusion development by committing to the next-step technology-enabling $16 billion experiment, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). In anticipation of ITER, this fellowship will foster growth of Australian fusion research, and address a grand science challenge facing ITER: how do we maintain burn in the face of potentially damaging plasma instabilities? The answer will affect both ITER and the viability of fusion power.Read moreRead less
The plasma boundary: a major challenge for fusion science and material technology for ITER and beyond. Plasma-surface interaction drives technological innovation in areas of nanofabrication, space science and magnetic fusion systems. This interdisciplinary research project will foster national and international collaborations, keeping Australia internationally competitive in, and at the forefront of, future technologies for energy and materials.
Quantum Opto-Mechatronics. Quantum science is the precise study of the physical world in the nanoscopic realm. It accurately predicts a wide range of physical phenomena that have no classical analogues. Understanding and controlling these quantum phenomena will play an increasingly important role in transforming 21st century technologies. This fellowship aims to realise the potential of combining optical, mechanical, and atomic systems in the quantum regime to deliver quantum enhancement to a ra ....Quantum Opto-Mechatronics. Quantum science is the precise study of the physical world in the nanoscopic realm. It accurately predicts a wide range of physical phenomena that have no classical analogues. Understanding and controlling these quantum phenomena will play an increasingly important role in transforming 21st century technologies. This fellowship aims to realise the potential of combining optical, mechanical, and atomic systems in the quantum regime to deliver quantum enhancement to a range of applications such as future-proofing information security via quantum cryptography and improving sensor technology with quantum measurement.Read moreRead less
Complex light and matter waves: merging nano-optics, quantum physics, and field theory. This project aims to address frontier problems at the confluence of nano-optics, plasmonics, electron microscopy, quantum weak measurements, and relativistic wave fields. Miniaturisation of devices, and ever-increasing amounts of processed information, lead to the increasing complexity of classical and quantum waves considered in fundamental science and exploited in applications. This project aims to develop ....Complex light and matter waves: merging nano-optics, quantum physics, and field theory. This project aims to address frontier problems at the confluence of nano-optics, plasmonics, electron microscopy, quantum weak measurements, and relativistic wave fields. Miniaturisation of devices, and ever-increasing amounts of processed information, lead to the increasing complexity of classical and quantum waves considered in fundamental science and exploited in applications. This project aims to develop novel methods and concepts, and unveil intriguing phenomena in physics of wave systems with nontrivial structure and internal degrees of freedom. This will provide deep insight into properties of complex classical and quantum waves, and new avenues for fine control of diverse light, matter, and mixed light-matter systems.Read moreRead less
Single spin molecular microscope. This project aims to create a new tool for imaging and analysing material at the atomic level. The tool is based on individual quantum coherent spins in diamond which can be manipulated and optically read. The project expects to generate knowledge in quantum metrology and an understanding of molecular dynamics at the nanoscale. The expected outcome is a new type of device capable of imaging complex physical systems at the level of their individual constituent co ....Single spin molecular microscope. This project aims to create a new tool for imaging and analysing material at the atomic level. The tool is based on individual quantum coherent spins in diamond which can be manipulated and optically read. The project expects to generate knowledge in quantum metrology and an understanding of molecular dynamics at the nanoscale. The expected outcome is a new type of device capable of imaging complex physical systems at the level of their individual constituent components. This has significant benefits in improving designer materials, energy production, information storage, and drug design.Read moreRead less
Memory and light for integrated quantum systems. Optical quantum information technologies have the potential to change the way we work and play, but there are problems to be overcome: we lack both a memory for quantum information and reliable light sources that can be integrated into quantum networks. This project addresses both these issues and will bring quantum technologies closer to market.
The origin of the elements heavier than iron. This research investigates the cosmic origin of the elements heavier than iron, as they are produced by nuclear reactions inside stars. The study of these elements in stars and meteorites will help us to understand the origin and history of the Solar System, of old stars and of stellar clusters and galaxies.
Transport barriers in complex turbulent flows: formation, detection and characterization. Barriers to transport in complex fluid flows are ubiquitous in nature, yet mathematical and numerical approaches have so far been unable to solve this problem in the presence of turbulence. This project aims to undertake the first systematic laboratory study of transport barrier generation, control and interactions to reveal the role of turbulence in the stochastic transport in fluids. It will develop new m ....Transport barriers in complex turbulent flows: formation, detection and characterization. Barriers to transport in complex fluid flows are ubiquitous in nature, yet mathematical and numerical approaches have so far been unable to solve this problem in the presence of turbulence. This project aims to undertake the first systematic laboratory study of transport barrier generation, control and interactions to reveal the role of turbulence in the stochastic transport in fluids. It will develop new methods of transport barrier modelling which will equip specialists dealing with Lagrangian transport with new tools for the transport barrier modelling and characterisation.Read moreRead less