A Space-Based Quantum Communications Platform using Continuous Variables. This work proposes to investigate a new space-borne platform capable of quantum communications with a terrestrial ground station. Different from existing space-borne quantum communication platforms, our new platform will be based on CV (Continuous Variable) technology and will integrate the ability to seamlessly switch to classical Free-Space Optical communications when channel conditions deem quantum communications are .... A Space-Based Quantum Communications Platform using Continuous Variables. This work proposes to investigate a new space-borne platform capable of quantum communications with a terrestrial ground station. Different from existing space-borne quantum communication platforms, our new platform will be based on CV (Continuous Variable) technology and will integrate the ability to seamlessly switch to classical Free-Space Optical communications when channel conditions deem quantum communications are too difficult. Currently no quantum satellite built on CV technology exists. Our research will produce a significant advance in an emerging technology space, and will allow Australia to take scientific leadership in an important aspect of ultra-secure communications from satellites.
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Agile synthesizers for quantum computing, simulation and sensing. The project aims to develop breakthrough technology for generating the complex radio and microwave pulses that underpin the revolution in quantum computing and quantum sensing. Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging from laboratory to real-world applications including neural imaging, defence surveillance, and mining exploration, but further advances require increased precision and flexibility in controlling the quantum states ....Agile synthesizers for quantum computing, simulation and sensing. The project aims to develop breakthrough technology for generating the complex radio and microwave pulses that underpin the revolution in quantum computing and quantum sensing. Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging from laboratory to real-world applications including neural imaging, defence surveillance, and mining exploration, but further advances require increased precision and flexibility in controlling the quantum states at the heart of these new capabilities. Our innovative and more flexible approach to signal generation requires a fraction of the size, weight, power and cost of conventional approaches, enabling the translation of quantum technology to commercial practicality.Read moreRead less
Reconciliation strategies for continuous variable quantum key distribution. This project aims to advance a novel key distribution method, called quantum key distribution, which distributes secure keys using the quantum state of optical channels. Key distribution is a foundational part of data security, allowing digital keys to be securely exchanged between two or more parties, before they are used to protect and share information. The expected outcome is new rateless error correction codes desi ....Reconciliation strategies for continuous variable quantum key distribution. This project aims to advance a novel key distribution method, called quantum key distribution, which distributes secure keys using the quantum state of optical channels. Key distribution is a foundational part of data security, allowing digital keys to be securely exchanged between two or more parties, before they are used to protect and share information. The expected outcome is new rateless error correction codes designed specifically to implement quantum key distribution over long distances. Quantum key distribution is beneficial for ultra-secure communications as it avoids the vulnerability to weak random numbers and quantum-computing brute force attacks that currently threated the security of data protected by existing methods. Read moreRead less
Developing hole spin quantum bits in industrially fabricated silicon chips. This is a joint proposal to combine IMEC’s technology and facilities for silicon chip fabrication with UNSW’s expertise in quantum devices to optimise the design and fabrication techniques used to manufacture silicon based hole spin qubits on an industrial scale in a full 300mm wafer fabrication line. IMEC is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, with a €1billion semico ....Developing hole spin quantum bits in industrially fabricated silicon chips. This is a joint proposal to combine IMEC’s technology and facilities for silicon chip fabrication with UNSW’s expertise in quantum devices to optimise the design and fabrication techniques used to manufacture silicon based hole spin qubits on an industrial scale in a full 300mm wafer fabrication line. IMEC is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, with a €1billion semiconductor chip fabrication facility, while UNSW has unparalleled cryogenic equipment and theoretical expertise for the study of electrons and holes in semiconductor devices. The outcomes will open up new routes to spin-based quantum computing based on holes. Read moreRead less
Approximate algorithms and architectures for area efficient system design. This project aims to develop simpler but reliable image recognition systems that can run on low-cost, small-scale platforms, for use in driver monitoring system (DMS) applications. Cheaper reliable DMS will lead to wider availability of this technology to end users and improve safety of motor vehicles. This project will develop approximate algorithmic and circuit techniques, provide training for research students and buil ....Approximate algorithms and architectures for area efficient system design. This project aims to develop simpler but reliable image recognition systems that can run on low-cost, small-scale platforms, for use in driver monitoring system (DMS) applications. Cheaper reliable DMS will lead to wider availability of this technology to end users and improve safety of motor vehicles. This project will develop approximate algorithmic and circuit techniques, provide training for research students and build capability in the area of approximate computing. It is also expected to lead to commercial products, licences and revenue, which will enable new job creation.
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Building Australia's next-generation ocean-sea ice model. Ocean and sea ice models are used for predicting future ocean and climate states, and for climate process research. This project aims to bring the next generation of ocean-sea ice models to Australia and configure the models for our local priorities. The ultimate goal is to create a new coupled ocean-sea ice model for Australia that includes surface waves and biogeochemistry. The model will be optimised and evaluated on Australian facilit ....Building Australia's next-generation ocean-sea ice model. Ocean and sea ice models are used for predicting future ocean and climate states, and for climate process research. This project aims to bring the next generation of ocean-sea ice models to Australia and configure the models for our local priorities. The ultimate goal is to create a new coupled ocean-sea ice model for Australia that includes surface waves and biogeochemistry. The model will be optimised and evaluated on Australian facilities, and released for community use. These developments underpin future ocean state forecasts, sea ice forecasts, wave forecasts, decadal climate prediction and climate process studies. The project will benefit search and rescue, Defence and shipping operations, and will enhance future climate projections.Read moreRead less
Collaborative Sensing and Learning for Maritime Situational Awareness. We aim to demonstrate coordinated autonomous sensing of naval assets in dynamic maritime environments, reducing the operational load required to deliver a high quality maritime situational awareness. A realistic simulation based approach will help us develop novel artificial intelligence technology including: self-adaptive strategies for dynamic asset allocation, embedded smart sensing capabilities for naval observation syste ....Collaborative Sensing and Learning for Maritime Situational Awareness. We aim to demonstrate coordinated autonomous sensing of naval assets in dynamic maritime environments, reducing the operational load required to deliver a high quality maritime situational awareness. A realistic simulation based approach will help us develop novel artificial intelligence technology including: self-adaptive strategies for dynamic asset allocation, embedded smart sensing capabilities for naval observation systems and novel approaches to continuous collaborative learning from multi-spectral media. In addition to the emerging partnership between participants, the project will advance sovereign capability to develop maritime intelligence gathering technology for the Royal Australian Navy to underpin stability in our region. Read moreRead less
A Machine Learning Framework for Concrete Workability Estimation . Concrete is the most used construction material in Australia. The project aims to develop a system to measure the workability of concrete in transit in agitator trucks using advanced machine vision and machine learning, and provide a reliable alternative to the current practice of visually testing concrete workability by certified testers. Concrete that fails to meet workability requirements is one of the most frequent reasons fo ....A Machine Learning Framework for Concrete Workability Estimation . Concrete is the most used construction material in Australia. The project aims to develop a system to measure the workability of concrete in transit in agitator trucks using advanced machine vision and machine learning, and provide a reliable alternative to the current practice of visually testing concrete workability by certified testers. Concrete that fails to meet workability requirements is one of the most frequent reasons for rejection at construction sites, resulting in significant costs, waste, and delays. Multimodal data sources will be used to provide a reliable workability estimate in real time, enabling construction teams to identify and rectify workability issues in transit while continuously monitoring the adjustments effects.Read moreRead less
Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and ....Terahertz lasers in the fight against illicit substances. This project aims to investigate the application of cutting-edge terahertz laser technology with new spectroscopic methods, for detection of illicit substances. Using a collaborative approach, the project aims to bring together expertise in laser physics, spectroscopy, law enforcement and instrumentation, and seeks to develop new sources and detection protocols which will offer new capabilities to law enforcement, aiding in detection and identification protocols for illicit substances.Read moreRead less
Removing the blur: Guidestar lasers for the space industry . The speed and quality of transferring information between earth and space can be greatly enhanced by adaptive optical systems that provide correction for atmospheric aberrations. The laser-generated guidestars that lie at the heart of these systems must be bright, preferably multi-coloured and with low background. By taking advantage of the unique optical properties of diamond, this project aims to develop lasers that produce these adv ....Removing the blur: Guidestar lasers for the space industry . The speed and quality of transferring information between earth and space can be greatly enhanced by adaptive optical systems that provide correction for atmospheric aberrations. The laser-generated guidestars that lie at the heart of these systems must be bright, preferably multi-coloured and with low background. By taking advantage of the unique optical properties of diamond, this project aims to develop lasers that produce these advanced features to fulfil the needs of the space industry sector. These outcomes are expected to create new services and products in the areas of space situational awareness, space debris management and satellite communications, and have major spin-off benefits to astronomy and defence.Read moreRead less