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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Towards non-thermal hydrogen-boron fusion. Laser-induced non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron 11 is a promising approach to reach practical sustainable energy generation. In addition, being aneutronic, this specific fusion reaction virtually avoids the deleterious environmental impact associated with high energy neutron radiation. The recent observation of this reaction under non-thermal conditions is not only exciting but begs for a better understanding of its dynamics. This industry suppor ....Towards non-thermal hydrogen-boron fusion. Laser-induced non-thermal fusion of hydrogen and boron 11 is a promising approach to reach practical sustainable energy generation. In addition, being aneutronic, this specific fusion reaction virtually avoids the deleterious environmental impact associated with high energy neutron radiation. The recent observation of this reaction under non-thermal conditions is not only exciting but begs for a better understanding of its dynamics. This industry supported proposal thus aims at establishing an experimentally-proven analysis framework underpinning the future development of a viable hydrogen-boron fusion reactor. In the long term, its successful implementation would constitute a sea change by providing a virtually limitless source of energy.Read moreRead less
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
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
Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and indus ....Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and industry to join the search for dark matter. This Australian experiment aims to help to confirm or deny current results from Northern Hemisphere experiments. As the mine nears the end of its working life as a gold mine, this project is expected to benefit the local economy and provide opportunities for education and outreach.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
Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so tha ....Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so that widespread uptake of these reactors becomes viable. Outcomes from the project will include a fundamental understanding of pure and doping-induced isotopic magnesium diboride superconductors and their behaviour under high neutron flux and harsh plasma atmosphere, which are specifically designed for application in next-generation, low-cost fusion reactors.Read moreRead less
Next generation lasers for short-reach optical fibre communication. This project aims to develop next-generation laser systems for multimode fibre-optic communication systems, by leveraging recently developed techniques for measuring and controlling the spatial properties of light. These techniques will provide new insights into the physics of the lasers themselves, as well as overcoming fundamental limitations which have traditionally hindered their operation at high speed. The expected outcome ....Next generation lasers for short-reach optical fibre communication. This project aims to develop next-generation laser systems for multimode fibre-optic communication systems, by leveraging recently developed techniques for measuring and controlling the spatial properties of light. These techniques will provide new insights into the physics of the lasers themselves, as well as overcoming fundamental limitations which have traditionally hindered their operation at high speed. The expected outcome of this project is the inclusion of these techniques in the development and operation of future generations of fibre communication systems. Creating new classes of laser systems, which can scale to large bit rates, will enable the growth in this area to be sustained into the future.Read moreRead less