Materials science and engineering

The Research School of Physics undertakes a wide range of materials science research including:

Use of ion beams to modify both electrical physical properties of materials - especially semiconductors. The School has an 1.7MeV tandem accelerator dedicated to this purpose together with a number of smaller machines used for both modification of materials and diagnostic techniques such as RBS. This ion beam modification of semiconductors is complimented by a MOCVD growth program focusing on production of semiconductor optoelectronic devices such as quantum well lasers and detectors.

Design and development of advanced polymers and glasses for use in photonic devices such as all optical fibre amplifiers, nonlinear optical devices and planar wave-guides. The School has a laser direct write system for the production of prototype optical waveguide devices such as smart couplers. We also have facilities for production of optical fibre and a major program dedicated to novel fibre materials.

Interaction between materials occurs primarily at surfaces making the study of surface topology, physics and chemistry a priority area for the School. We also have several groups studying: interactions between solute particles, from molecules to proteins. Polymers in solution. Suspensions of colloidal particles. Such interactions determine the properties of most real world systems. Examples include self assembly of biomembranes, reactivity in biotechnologies and biochemistry, chemical synthesis, and a host of chemical engineering applications, from minerals processing, oil recovery to soil science and detergent formulation and drug delivery. In support of these activities we have several advanced diagnostic techniques such as ultra high-resolution computed tomography.

The School has a strong research effort in mechanochemistry: the use of physical impact to generate powders with unique physical properties especially on the nanoscale. Various processes techniques are being developed to create selective nanostructures in economically viable commercial quantities.

The School also has an active research program in ultra high speed laser ablation for both the modification of surfaces and the creation of exotic nanoscale ablation products such as ultra light carbon foams.

Potential student research projects

You could be doing your own research into materials science and engineering. Below are some examples of student physics research projects available in our school.

Nano-bubble formation in fusion relevant materials

Fusion energy promises millions of years of clean energy, but puts extreme stress on materials. This research will resolve scientific issues surrounding plasma-material interactions to guide and facilitate development of future advanced materials for fusion reactors.

A/Prof Cormac Corr, Prof Patrick Kluth, Dr Matt Thompson

Neutron and X-ray imaging/tomography techniques at ANSTO & Australian Synchrotron

This project involves working with scientists from imaging beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron (IMBL, XFM, MCT) and the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor (DINGO) to develop multi-modal, multi-scale, and dynamic imaging and tomography techniques alongside computational imaging scientists from ANU.

Dr Andrew Kingston, Dr Glenn Myers

Flexible, Cost-effective III-V Semiconductor-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells

This project aims to develop high efficiency, cost-effective III-V semiconductor-perovskite tandem solar cells which are flexible and lightweight, while achieving excellent device stability.

Professor Hoe Tan, Dr Tuomas Haggren, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Bottom-up, parity-time (PT) symmetric micro-cavity lasers

In this project, we aim to explore PT-symmetric lasing in III-V semiconductor micro-cavity lasers that are epitaxially grown on their substrates, free from any etching-induced damage. In particular, we aim to demonstrate performance improvements by exploiting some of the unique features of bottom-up grown laser cavities.

Dr Wei Wen Wong, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Please browse our full list of available physics research projects to find a student research project that interests you.