Prediction of coronal mass ejections and their radio emissions. This project aims to explain in detail the motion and properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) leaving the sun, the radio emissions they generate, and space weather triggers for the sun and other stars. The project expects to create new knowledge in the fields of space, plasma, and astro-physics and space weather research. Expected outcomes include capabilities to accurately predict CMEs and space weather triggers from the sun to ....Prediction of coronal mass ejections and their radio emissions. This project aims to explain in detail the motion and properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) leaving the sun, the radio emissions they generate, and space weather triggers for the sun and other stars. The project expects to create new knowledge in the fields of space, plasma, and astro-physics and space weather research. Expected outcomes include capabilities to accurately predict CMEs and space weather triggers from the sun to Earth and theories for type II and IV solar radio bursts. Benefits include high-level training and enhanced human capital and scientific prominence for Australia.Read moreRead less
Closing the Solar Cycle. This project aims to decisively settle the debate about the mechanism driving magnetic activity on the surface of the Sun. By drawing on extensive, big-data analysis of solar observations the project intends to use the technique of helioseismology to reveal differences in the statistical evolution of magnetic regions. Expected outcomes of this project will powerfully refine our models of the interaction between convective flows and magnetic fields in the Sun, resulting i ....Closing the Solar Cycle. This project aims to decisively settle the debate about the mechanism driving magnetic activity on the surface of the Sun. By drawing on extensive, big-data analysis of solar observations the project intends to use the technique of helioseismology to reveal differences in the statistical evolution of magnetic regions. Expected outcomes of this project will powerfully refine our models of the interaction between convective flows and magnetic fields in the Sun, resulting in a leap forward in solar dynamo theory, one of the fundamental problems in astrophysics. The anticipated benefits include moving from nowcasting to forecasting space weather, mitigating the billion dollar economic effects of geomagnetic storms.Read moreRead less
Ensemble modelling of space-weather drivers. This project aims to develop methods for forecasting the evolution of magnetic fields on the Sun's surface, and to use the results to drive an ensemble of numerical simulations of the evolution of the magnetic field in the overlying atmosphere. The project expects to create a new framework for forecasting the evolution of solar active regions, applying, for the first time, methods established in Numerical Weather Prediction. The expected outcomes are ....Ensemble modelling of space-weather drivers. This project aims to develop methods for forecasting the evolution of magnetic fields on the Sun's surface, and to use the results to drive an ensemble of numerical simulations of the evolution of the magnetic field in the overlying atmosphere. The project expects to create a new framework for forecasting the evolution of solar active regions, applying, for the first time, methods established in Numerical Weather Prediction. The expected outcomes are physics-based prediction of solar atmospheric magnetic field evolution, including explosive eruptions. The results should have significant benefit in improving prediction of extreme space weather events, which pose an increasing threat to our technologically-dependent society.Read moreRead less
Nonlinear Optical Metrology of Electronic Interfaces for Silicon Devices. This project aims to develop a prototype electric field induced second harmonic generation metrology setup for studying thin film dielectric interfaces on silicon in partnership with Femtometrix. The quality of these silicon-dielectric interfaces, which are affected by trapped charges and defects, are critical for microelectronic and optoelectronic device manufacturing. Through several proposed methodologies to separate th ....Nonlinear Optical Metrology of Electronic Interfaces for Silicon Devices. This project aims to develop a prototype electric field induced second harmonic generation metrology setup for studying thin film dielectric interfaces on silicon in partnership with Femtometrix. The quality of these silicon-dielectric interfaces, which are affected by trapped charges and defects, are critical for microelectronic and optoelectronic device manufacturing. Through several proposed methodologies to separate the effect of interface and bulk signals, it is expected that the sensitivity of the prototype setup will exceed the previous record of 1 kV/cm. This metrology technique will be further expanded for applicability to silicon photovoltaics, specifically passivating contacts which cannot be studied via conventional techniques.Read moreRead less
Understanding the sources of the slow solar wind. This project aims to reveal the origins of the slow solar wind, a continuous stream of plasma emanating from the Sun that fills the solar system and impacts the Earth. This project expects to enhance our understanding of how this solar wind is accelerated and structured using a suite of state-of-the-art computational simulations. In doing this, the project expects to provide critical physical understanding to allow interpretation of data from NA ....Understanding the sources of the slow solar wind. This project aims to reveal the origins of the slow solar wind, a continuous stream of plasma emanating from the Sun that fills the solar system and impacts the Earth. This project expects to enhance our understanding of how this solar wind is accelerated and structured using a suite of state-of-the-art computational simulations. In doing this, the project expects to provide critical physical understanding to allow interpretation of data from NASA and ESA's flagship space missions Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. Benefits should include enhanced physical understanding that will contribute to the international effort to develop reliable space-weather forecasting systems, critical for space exploration and space-based technology.Read moreRead less
Fabrication of silicon solar cells in a Lunar-like vacuum environment. In-situ power generation on the Moon is essential for the advancement of space exploration and habitation. At present this involves transportation of solar cells to the Moon. This proposal aims to pave the way for manufacture of solar cells on the Moon from Lunar materials. Utilising the future extraction and purification of silicon, abundant in lunar regolith, the project will focus on fabrication of silicon solar cells. Thi ....Fabrication of silicon solar cells in a Lunar-like vacuum environment. In-situ power generation on the Moon is essential for the advancement of space exploration and habitation. At present this involves transportation of solar cells to the Moon. This proposal aims to pave the way for manufacture of solar cells on the Moon from Lunar materials. Utilising the future extraction and purification of silicon, abundant in lunar regolith, the project will focus on fabrication of silicon solar cells. This will provide power for: water mining, oxygen extraction, vehicles and habitats on the Moon and delivery of materials to Low Earth Orbit. The proposed research aims to develop solar cells that can be manufactured on the Moon, using materials abundant there, and techniques exploiting the natural vacuum of space.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100812
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,888.00
Summary
Is degradation of photovoltaic modules predictable and preventable? This project aims to determine the fundamental properties of the hydrogen related defect causing degradation of commercial solar modules and develop models to predict its impact. The defect causes up to 16% power loss and is likely to affect all photovoltaics due to the universal behaviour of hydrogen in semiconductors. Through new techniques combining deuterium (heavy hydrogen) and machine learning, the key project outcomes are ....Is degradation of photovoltaic modules predictable and preventable? This project aims to determine the fundamental properties of the hydrogen related defect causing degradation of commercial solar modules and develop models to predict its impact. The defect causes up to 16% power loss and is likely to affect all photovoltaics due to the universal behaviour of hydrogen in semiconductors. Through new techniques combining deuterium (heavy hydrogen) and machine learning, the key project outcomes are new knowledge of hydrogen behaviour, mitigation of degradation and predictive models to test and forecast the future output of affected modules. This is critical for system design and reliability, manufacturer warranty terms, investor returns, consumer confidence, and ultimately mitigating the climate crisis.Read moreRead less
Characterising and Manipulating Triplet Interactions. Organic optoelectronic devices are based on organic semiconductors and are found throughout modern life. They underpin technologies such as phone and television displays, low-energy lighting, and solar cells.
The project Aims to use spectroscopy to comprehensively understand the underlying physics of organic optoelectronic device materials. This is Significant enabling science that will accelerate development of light-emitting diodes, solar ....Characterising and Manipulating Triplet Interactions. Organic optoelectronic devices are based on organic semiconductors and are found throughout modern life. They underpin technologies such as phone and television displays, low-energy lighting, and solar cells.
The project Aims to use spectroscopy to comprehensively understand the underlying physics of organic optoelectronic device materials. This is Significant enabling science that will accelerate development of light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and new quantum information technologies. Expected outcomes include new knowledge about organic semiconductors, enhanced Australian research capacity, and international collaboration. Benefits include device innovations and the training of researchers in synthesis, fabrication, and spectroscopy.Read moreRead less
Advanced metallisation for III-V Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems. This project aims to augment the overall electrical efficiency of concentrator photovoltaic solar systems that provide large-scale generation of cheap, clean electricity. Existing concentrator solar cells are highly efficient (>40%) but their performance is hampered by thick front-metal contacts that shade the cell. The project is expected to develop a new concentrator solar cell metalisation and insulation technology. The benefi ....Advanced metallisation for III-V Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems. This project aims to augment the overall electrical efficiency of concentrator photovoltaic solar systems that provide large-scale generation of cheap, clean electricity. Existing concentrator solar cells are highly efficient (>40%) but their performance is hampered by thick front-metal contacts that shade the cell. The project is expected to develop a new concentrator solar cell metalisation and insulation technology. The benefit of the project will be a direct increase in the system efficiency and simplified manufacturing of the concentrator solar receiver, which in turn reduces the cost of the concentrator power plant constructed by our Australian project partner RayGen Resources Pty Ltd.Read moreRead less
Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electrici ....Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electricity compared to conventional technologies. This should boost solar industry, create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Read moreRead less