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Much of the theoretical work in the School compliments the experimental programs in areas such as the transport studies in semiconductors, photonics and optical communications.
One of the most exciting areas of modern theoretical physics is the modelling of the behaviour of complex systems such as climate patterns and the turbulent flow of fluids. RSPhysSE is one of the major players in the ARC Research Network for Complex Systems with many of our researchers undertaking research in this field.
The School also has strong research interests in Nonlinear optics and solitons, developing basic theories of solitons for optical systems that including all-optical information transmission lines and ultra-short pulse lasers. This work also extends to the design of specific novel planar and fibre light processing devices, including those with the potential for commercialisation.
Potential student research projects
You could be doing your own research into fusion and plasma confinement. Below are some examples of student physics research projects available in RSPE.
Coherent control of quantum-mechanical systems
The project studies possibility of the coherent control (i.e. manipulating properties of a quantum system, such as charge density, levels populations, etc., using a suitably tailored laser pulse) for a quantum mechanical model of a molecule.
Soft Condensed Matter: Molecules made by Threading
Of great recent interest is the subject of rotaxanes. Rotaxanes are molecules where one or more ring
components is threaded onto an axle that is capped on both ends with stoppers to prevent the rings from
falling o ff. These systems...
Extreme events in nature and in a laboratory
The concept of rogue waves was born in nautical mythology, entered the science of ocean waves and gradually moved into other fields: optics, matter waves, superfluidity. This project will allow students to enter the front edge of modern science.
Nuclear models in nuclear structure and reactions
Nuclei are complex quantum systems and thus require advanced modelling to understand their structure properties. This project uses such models to interpret experimental data taken at the ANU and at overseas nuclear facilities.
High-density artifact correction in x-ray micro-tomography
High-density objects in specimens of interest (e.g., metal-pins in biological specimens), can cause significant quality degradation of 3D images produced at our micro-tomography facility. This project explores/compares techniques in hardware to avoid the problem...
Quantum tunnelling in many-body systems
Quantum tunnelling is a fundamental process in physics. How this process occurs with composite (many-body) systems, and in particular how it relates to decoherence and dissipation, are still open questions.
Please browse our full list of available physics research projects to find a student research project that interests you.
Updated: 15 January 2019/ Responsible Officer: Director, RSPE/ Page Contact: Physics Webmaster
