Laser interferometry for Space Science. Laser interferometry is an ultra-sensitive technique for physical measurements. This project will develop laser interferometry to benefit future space missions studying astronomy, astrophysics, climate change and Australia's water resources.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100630
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Relating function of complex networks to structure using information theory. This project aims to investigate networks in order to translate network function to a universal language of information flows. Network science has used common tools to reveal universal connection structures within various biological and man-made networks – our brains, social networks and power grids are all networks of interacting components. Yet there is no common method to study the function of these networks and how ....Relating function of complex networks to structure using information theory. This project aims to investigate networks in order to translate network function to a universal language of information flows. Network science has used common tools to reveal universal connection structures within various biological and man-made networks – our brains, social networks and power grids are all networks of interacting components. Yet there is no common method to study the function of these networks and how such function is coupled with structure. This project aims to relate network structure to function by using measures of information processing as a generally-applicable framework. This will deliver a theory of how structure gives rise to dynamics and how structure can be optimised for desired dynamics.Read moreRead less
Equipping VIKiNG: mid-infrared technology for exoplanet characterisation. This project aims to develop thermal infrared technologies for the Very large telescope interferometer Infrared Kernel-NullinG instrument (VIKiNG), making it the most capable direct exoplanet detection instrument on any existing, or under construction, facility. Australia is currently world leading in innovative photonics technologies, and these are currently the limiting factor in producing a manufacturable design for VIK ....Equipping VIKiNG: mid-infrared technology for exoplanet characterisation. This project aims to develop thermal infrared technologies for the Very large telescope interferometer Infrared Kernel-NullinG instrument (VIKiNG), making it the most capable direct exoplanet detection instrument on any existing, or under construction, facility. Australia is currently world leading in innovative photonics technologies, and these are currently the limiting factor in producing a manufacturable design for VIKiNG. This project provides a clear pathway for laboratory development of high-efficiency, active mid-infrared photonic circuits in the thermal infrared. Beyond benefits to astronomy, these circuits are the first step in developing remote molecule detectors for environmental monitoring and security.Read moreRead less
Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions. This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution ....Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions. This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution episodes because the mechanisms and precursors of its formation will be better understood. The project will also provide an experimental framework that will guide policy formulation and provide the science needed for development of strategies to improve air quality and health.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100808
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,792.00
Summary
A philosophical exploration of simulating and controlling the quantum world. This project aims to investigate whether certain types of laboratory systems that simulate quantum mechanics can illuminate the way the quantum world is put together, and how such a move could be justified. Understanding the nature of quantum mechanical systems is notoriously difficult, but specially designed laboratory systems provide clues to controlling the quantum world. The anticipated outcome is insight into the s ....A philosophical exploration of simulating and controlling the quantum world. This project aims to investigate whether certain types of laboratory systems that simulate quantum mechanics can illuminate the way the quantum world is put together, and how such a move could be justified. Understanding the nature of quantum mechanical systems is notoriously difficult, but specially designed laboratory systems provide clues to controlling the quantum world. The anticipated outcome is insight into the structure of quantum mechanics and the controllability of quantum systems. This potentially provides significant benefit to the design and commercialisation of laboratory engineered devices that use quantum effects.Read moreRead less
Non-equilibrium material phases. This project aims to synthesise and characterise exotic materials produced in the laboratory under conditions that replicate those inside planets and stars. Highly non-equilibrium processing methods are needed to find entirely new material forms of elements and compounds created under extreme pressure and temperature. The project will use its laser-based synthesis method to explore and understand the non-equilibrium pathways and develop new materials. Understandi ....Non-equilibrium material phases. This project aims to synthesise and characterise exotic materials produced in the laboratory under conditions that replicate those inside planets and stars. Highly non-equilibrium processing methods are needed to find entirely new material forms of elements and compounds created under extreme pressure and temperature. The project will use its laser-based synthesis method to explore and understand the non-equilibrium pathways and develop new materials. Understanding how these materials form could lead to the next materials revolution. This research will lead to materials that industry sectors can exploit for commercial benefits.Read moreRead less
Explorations in the Foundations of Quantum Gravity. Despite almost a century of struggle, gravitation (as described by Einstein's general theory of relativity) remains divided from the principles of quantum theory (the framework in which our best theories of particle physics are couched). Bringing them together constitutes one of the most urgent problems of physics. By exploring the foundations of the problem, and the various proposed resolutions, from both historical and philosophical perspecti ....Explorations in the Foundations of Quantum Gravity. Despite almost a century of struggle, gravitation (as described by Einstein's general theory of relativity) remains divided from the principles of quantum theory (the framework in which our best theories of particle physics are couched). Bringing them together constitutes one of the most urgent problems of physics. By exploring the foundations of the problem, and the various proposed resolutions, from both historical and philosophical perspectives, this project aims both to shed new light on why it so stubbornly resists a solution and to assist in its solution. It will map out the specific features of the various approaches to quantum gravity with a view to offering researchers a helpful tool to navigate and compare their virtues and vices.Read moreRead less
The Development of Quantum Gravity (1957-1988): The Great Divide. The problem of quantum gravity, involving the bringing together of the two pillars of modern physics (general relativity, describing spacetime and gravity, and quantum theory, describing matter and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces), remains unresolved despite over a century of searching. Following on from a productive pair of earlier ARC fellowship projects, this project aims to continue the historical investigation of ....The Development of Quantum Gravity (1957-1988): The Great Divide. The problem of quantum gravity, involving the bringing together of the two pillars of modern physics (general relativity, describing spacetime and gravity, and quantum theory, describing matter and the strong, weak and electromagnetic forces), remains unresolved despite over a century of searching. Following on from a productive pair of earlier ARC fellowship projects, this project aims to continue the historical investigation of the quest for quantum gravity, from 1957 to 1988, with a view to opening up avenues for new solutions and new ways to crack longstanding roadblocks through a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary approach.Read moreRead less
Back to the future: making atomic-scale high-speed germanium transistors. This project links scientists from Australia and Italy to develop atomic-scale devices in the germanium material. By exploiting the unique properties of this material and its integration with silicon, faster and smaller transistors will be developed.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101157
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,276.00
Summary
Realisation of novel electronic phases in two-dimensional materials. This project will address one of the most pressing concerns facing society today, the efficient generation, storage, transmission and use of energy. Silicon based transistor technology is approaching the hard limit of efficiency set by thermodynamics, requiring new materials to be found that possess electronic properties that break away from conventional transistor technology. Utilising a new facility being installed by the app ....Realisation of novel electronic phases in two-dimensional materials. This project will address one of the most pressing concerns facing society today, the efficient generation, storage, transmission and use of energy. Silicon based transistor technology is approaching the hard limit of efficiency set by thermodynamics, requiring new materials to be found that possess electronic properties that break away from conventional transistor technology. Utilising a new facility being installed by the applicant at the Australian Synchrotron, this project aims to prepare and characterise the electronic properties of free-standing atomically thin bismuth. Successful realisation of this project will provide a radical new approach towards realising more efficient electronic devices for the storage and transmission of energy.Read moreRead less