Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback ....Measuring the linewidth enhancement factor and optical feedback level factor of semiconductor lasers based on optical feedback self-mixing interferometry. This project aims to develop a high performance solution for the challenging problem of measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of semiconductor lasers (SLs) and the optical feedback level factor, C, for the optical feedback self-mixing (OFSM) systems. Specific outcomes of the research include (1) a new model for an optical feedback self-mixing effect, (2) a new approach for measuring LEF and C based on the proposed model, (3) signal processing algorithms for improving the performance of the proposed approach, and (4) an OFSM system prototype based on the new model and algorithms.Read moreRead less
ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence now growing that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, a race is underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union have recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarct ....ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence now growing that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, a race is underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union have recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a view to constructing a so-called 'Great Observatory'. Australia's participation in this network ensures continued technology exchange and builds our knowledge base in robotics, harsh-environment engineering and computational fluid dynamics, while creating important new astronomical opportunities.Read moreRead less
ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, efforts are underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union has recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a ....ARENA: Antarctic Research, a European Network for Astronomy. With compelling evidence that the world's best astronomical observing sites for optical/infrared astronomy are located on the high plateau of Australia's Antarctic Territory, efforts are underway to establish the first major observing facilities there. The European Union has recently funded a network of 20 leading research institutes to coordinate the development of enabling technologies and astronomical programs in Antarctica, with a view to constructing a so-called 'Great Observatory'. Australia's participation in this network ensures continued technology exchange and builds our knowledge base in robotics, harsh-environment engineering and computational fluid dynamics, while creating important new astronomical opportunities.Read moreRead less
Developing the Helium Atom Pinhole Camera. The tantalising possibility of an optical instrument that uses neutral atom beams to image surfaces, rather than light or electrons, has been a grand challenge in Physics ever since de Broglie first postulated the existence of matter waves . This project seeks to realise this seminal goal using an elegantly simple design based on the concept of a pin hole camera. The successful development of this world-first instrument would represent a significant adv ....Developing the Helium Atom Pinhole Camera. The tantalising possibility of an optical instrument that uses neutral atom beams to image surfaces, rather than light or electrons, has been a grand challenge in Physics ever since de Broglie first postulated the existence of matter waves . This project seeks to realise this seminal goal using an elegantly simple design based on the concept of a pin hole camera. The successful development of this world-first instrument would represent a significant advance in helium atom microscopy and would significantly enhance the reputation of Australian science. Moreover, this project strengthens and supports a key collaboration between the Universities of Newcastle and Cambridge and is at the core of this emerging technology.Read moreRead less
Active polymer surfaces for control of fluid movement. The realisation of a diverse array of remote or portable chemical/biological monitoring systems depends on the development of low power fluid management protocols. The use of appropriate conducting polymer surfaces should enable this to occur. We envisage the integration of these fluid management platforms into portable, remote autonomous monitoring systems for environmental industrial and biomedical applications.
Terahertz optoelectronics based on spintronics materials. Spintronic devices have many advantages which include non-volatility, permitting data retention in non-powered conditions, increased integration densities, high data processing speeds, low electrical energy demands, and a fabrication process compatible with those currently used in semiconductor microelectronics. The low energy consumption of spintronic devices also leads to economic and environmental benefits. Spintronic devices will help ....Terahertz optoelectronics based on spintronics materials. Spintronic devices have many advantages which include non-volatility, permitting data retention in non-powered conditions, increased integration densities, high data processing speeds, low electrical energy demands, and a fabrication process compatible with those currently used in semiconductor microelectronics. The low energy consumption of spintronic devices also leads to economic and environmental benefits. Spintronic devices will help to meet the sensing and storage demands of information technology in the decades to come. The project will enhance the international competitiveness and export power of Australian industry in the areas of information technology, quantum computing, magnetic recording and optoelectronics.Read moreRead less
Photon induced nonlinear absorption and transport in semiconductor nanostructures. Photon induced transport in electronic systems is of great importance in fundamental science and in development of new optoelectronics devices. In this project we aim to study the microwave radiation induced dc transport and nonlinear absorption in high mobility systems. The result will shed light on newly discoveredzero-resistance state in semiconductor nanostructures. The expected outcome is an improved underst ....Photon induced nonlinear absorption and transport in semiconductor nanostructures. Photon induced transport in electronic systems is of great importance in fundamental science and in development of new optoelectronics devices. In this project we aim to study the microwave radiation induced dc transport and nonlinear absorption in high mobility systems. The result will shed light on newly discoveredzero-resistance state in semiconductor nanostructures. The expected outcome is an improved understanding on the mechanism of reducing dc resistance in low-dimensional electronic systems.Read moreRead less
Development of an integrated methodology to assess dewatering system performance in solid-liquid separation. 3D visualisations of microstructures are possible with techniques such as confocal laser microscopy and high resolution X-ray microtomography. Data obtained in-situ enable direct computation of solids assembly properties and their permeability to fluids. A specific application involving aggregate formation and sediment networks could be evaluated through micro-scale analysis combined with ....Development of an integrated methodology to assess dewatering system performance in solid-liquid separation. 3D visualisations of microstructures are possible with techniques such as confocal laser microscopy and high resolution X-ray microtomography. Data obtained in-situ enable direct computation of solids assembly properties and their permeability to fluids. A specific application involving aggregate formation and sediment networks could be evaluated through micro-scale analysis combined with robust fluid flow simulations. The method can potentially be utilized to predict trends such as filtration behaviour of materials under different states of compression. This offers significant benefits in formulating the design of flocculated systems pertinent to a number of industrial sectors wishing to design optimum solid-liquid separation processes.Read moreRead less
Advanced materials and structures for terahertz science and technology. Anthrax, explosives, water, cancer all have characteristic signatures in the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Security, defence, agriculture, medicine are some of the fields where THz science and technology are booming. THz developments offer enhanced national security, prosperity and quality of life. The lack of strong sources of THz radiation is the main factor hampering wider application of THz metho ....Advanced materials and structures for terahertz science and technology. Anthrax, explosives, water, cancer all have characteristic signatures in the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Security, defence, agriculture, medicine are some of the fields where THz science and technology are booming. THz developments offer enhanced national security, prosperity and quality of life. The lack of strong sources of THz radiation is the main factor hampering wider application of THz methods. In this project two university research teams come together to develop more efficient THz emitters. The Darmstadt team will prepare novel materials and structures and the Wollongong team will evaluate them and provide feedback for the next iteration.Read moreRead less
Chemistry of the Archaean Ocean and its Impact on Earth's Early Atmosphere and Ecosystems. The Pilbara Craton (WA) contains some of the oldest and best preserved Archaean rocks and microfossils in the world. These rocks, which were recently drilled as part of a collaborative effort between France and Australia, present an unprecedented opportunity to study the composition of the Earth's early atmosphere, ocean and life. The research will strengthen Australia's strategic links with international ....Chemistry of the Archaean Ocean and its Impact on Earth's Early Atmosphere and Ecosystems. The Pilbara Craton (WA) contains some of the oldest and best preserved Archaean rocks and microfossils in the world. These rocks, which were recently drilled as part of a collaborative effort between France and Australia, present an unprecedented opportunity to study the composition of the Earth's early atmosphere, ocean and life. The research will strengthen Australia's strategic links with international experts and will provide access to the state-of-the-art synchrotron facility in France. The project links fundamental processes that shaped the Earth and thus fits into National Research Priority 1: An Environmentally Sustainable Australia.Read moreRead less