Functional nonlinear nanophotonics. This project will uncover novel ways of controlling ultra-short optical pulses through the special structuring of materials at the nanoscale. New functionalities based on enhanced nonlinear light-matter interactions will underpin advances in future optical communication networks and computing systems, laser radars and sensing applications.
Resonant nanophotonics: tailoring resonant interaction of light with nanoclusters. This project will unlock new ways of controlling resonant light-matter interaction in nanostructured materials for the next generation of integrated nanophotonic devices. The project outcomes will support Australia's leadership in the development of energy efficient components for advanced photonic networks and optical communications.
Topological wave manipulation in hybrid integrated platforms. This project aims to establish a powerful toolkit for topological wave manipulation in photonic systems interfaced with layered 2D materials. This research will address a significant problem of miniaturising photonic components for reliable and compact signal processing. The reduction in size will be achieved by engineering coupling of topological photonic states with matter in judiciously structured materials at subwavelength scales. ....Topological wave manipulation in hybrid integrated platforms. This project aims to establish a powerful toolkit for topological wave manipulation in photonic systems interfaced with layered 2D materials. This research will address a significant problem of miniaturising photonic components for reliable and compact signal processing. The reduction in size will be achieved by engineering coupling of topological photonic states with matter in judiciously structured materials at subwavelength scales. The expected outcomes will include new methods of controlling light-matter waves on a chip via pattern distortions or twists of the 2D materials, without the use of strong magnetic and electric fields. These outcomes will benefit future development of high performance and energy-efficient integrated devices.Read moreRead less
Designing reactivity of homogeneous and heterogeneous water-splitting catalysts using muti-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies. New classes of heterogeneous manganese-calcium water splitting catalysts analogous to the unique biological water splitting cofactor have recently emerged but with far lower catalytic rates than seen for the biological system. These new materials are promising targets for large-scale hydrogen fuel production with low cost, high efficiency and ease of manufacture. ....Designing reactivity of homogeneous and heterogeneous water-splitting catalysts using muti-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies. New classes of heterogeneous manganese-calcium water splitting catalysts analogous to the unique biological water splitting cofactor have recently emerged but with far lower catalytic rates than seen for the biological system. These new materials are promising targets for large-scale hydrogen fuel production with low cost, high efficiency and ease of manufacture. To achieve this, the performance gap between these materials and the homogenous biological catalyst must be bridged. Multi-dimensional site-selective spectroscopies, including magneto/optical resonance methods which are aimed to be developed in this project are expected to provide new, atomic level understanding of properties needed to achieve high catalytic efficiency, thus guiding rational catalyst design.Read moreRead less
Expanding the molecular tool set for structural studies of proteins and their complexes. Many applications in medical science and drug development depend on our ability to determine the 3D structures of proteins, protein assemblies and protein-ligand complexes. This project will develop novel lanthanide-binding tags and crosslinking agents that can be coupled to unnatural amino acids introduced into proteins with advanced protein chemistry techniques. These new tools will facilitate the collecti ....Expanding the molecular tool set for structural studies of proteins and their complexes. Many applications in medical science and drug development depend on our ability to determine the 3D structures of proteins, protein assemblies and protein-ligand complexes. This project will develop novel lanthanide-binding tags and crosslinking agents that can be coupled to unnatural amino acids introduced into proteins with advanced protein chemistry techniques. These new tools will facilitate the collection of structure restraints by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and mass spectrometry, which are needed to generate accurate models of proteins and their complexes with other molecules. Major beneficial outcome will include an increase in the number of protein targets amenable to rational drug design and improved methods for generating new drug leads.Read moreRead less
Geological applications of synchrotron radiation: magmas, fluids, ores and minerals. This project will use the Australian synchrotron facility to study magmas and minerals to improve our understanding of the formation of ore-deposits and the evolution of the continents.