Potential student research projects

The Research School of Physics performs research at the cutting edge of a wide range of disciplines.

By undertaking your own research project at ANU you could open up an exciting career in science.

Filter projects

Some other physics related research projects may be found at the ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Mathematical Sciences Institute and the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Mid-infrared single-mode waveguides for the LIFE space mission

The Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) aims to detect biosignatures on Earth-like planets by collecting mid-infrared spectra. A major challenge is creating low-loss waveguides for spatial filtering. This project explores photonic crystal waveguides, using femtosecond lasers and Bessel beams to fabricate microstructures in transparent crystals for efficient light guidance.

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Shan Liu

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms

This experimental project aims to create entangled states of ultracold helium atoms where the entanglement is between atoms of different mass. By manipulating the entangled pairs using laser induced Bragg transitions and measuring the resulting correlations, we will study how gravity affects mass-entangled particles.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Andrew Truscott

Shining new light on the ‘proton radius puzzle’ using ultracold helium

This experimental project, involves building an ultra-stable frequency laser which will be used to probe electronic transitions in ultracold - 3He and 4He.  These measurements will then be used to determine the differential isotopic nuclear charge radius of helium to a world leading absolute accuracy.

Professor Andrew Truscott, Dr Sean Hodgman

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Atomic magnetometer for exploring physics beyond the standard model and gyroscopy

Atomic sensors are exquisitely sensitive. We aim to model and build a new generation of atomic sensors to measure magnetic fields, rotation and dark matter. 

Professor Ben Buchler

Interactions between antimatter and ultracold atoms

Antiparticles and antimatter have progressed from theory and science fiction to become an important and exciting area of pure and applied science. This fundamental atomic physics project will investigate how antimatter and matter interact by experimentally studying the interaction of positrons (the electron anti-particle) with trapped ultracold rubidium atoms.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Stephen Buckman, Dr Joshua Machacek

Atom-light interactions in quantum memories

Quantum memories store light in atomic ensembles for applications in quantum computing and networking. This project explores how atoms and light interact in prototype quantum memories that use rare earth atoms in crystals for storage, aiming to improve memory efficiency,  storage capacity, and performance in real-world devices.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr James Stuart

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

We are investigating novel effects and applications using positrons and structured surfaces.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Exploring the many body physics in an atomic matterwave system with PT symmetry

Investigating the possible enhancement of sensitivity in atomic sensors with PT symmetry and the underlying many body evolution.

Dr Jessica Eastman, Dr Simon Haine

Enhancing particle builder: developing comprehensive physics explanations

This project aims to enhance the educational value of the online adaptation of Particle Builder by developing comprehensive physics and mathematical explanations. Through a literature review, content creation, and analysis of engagement data, the student researcher will contribute their physics expertise to create an engaging and effective learning resource.

Mr Lachlan McGinness

Biophysics

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Engineering in Physics

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Exploring physics with neural networks

Machine learning based on deep neural networks is a powerful method for improving the performance of experiments.  It may also be useful for finding new physics.

Dr Aaron Tranter, Professor Ben Buchler, Professor Ping Koy Lam

Materials Science and Engineering

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Quantum chemistry modelling of rare earth crystals for quantum technologies

Quantum technology applications of rare earth crystals would benefit from accurate ab-initio models of how quantum properties arise from fundamental atom-atom interactions in crystals. In this project, we will adapt recent advances in molecular quantum chemistry models to rare earth crystals and apply them to quantum technology problems.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

We are investigating novel effects and applications using positrons and structured surfaces.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Efficient optical interconnect for quantum computers

Superconducting and spin qubits are leading quantum computing technologies, but we currently have no way to connect them to optical quantum networks that will make up a future quantum internet. This project will develop an interconnect capable of efficiently converting microwave quantum information from these qubits to optical frequencies.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr Lara Gillan

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

We are investigating novel effects and applications using positrons and structured surfaces.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Photonics, Lasers and Nonlinear Optics

Mid-infrared single-mode waveguides for the LIFE space mission

The Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) aims to detect biosignatures on Earth-like planets by collecting mid-infrared spectra. A major challenge is creating low-loss waveguides for spatial filtering. This project explores photonic crystal waveguides, using femtosecond lasers and Bessel beams to fabricate microstructures in transparent crystals for efficient light guidance.

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Shan Liu

Femtosecond laser cleaning of Aboriginal rock art

This project develops safe, damage-free laser cleaning for Australian Indigenous rock art and historic stone monuments, removing contaminants without altering surfaces. Using ultrashort pulse lasers at multiple wavelengths, it combines laboratory optimization and field-applicable procedures, in collaboration with heritage partners and Indigenous custodians, to restore and preserve culturally and visually significant sites.

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Ksenia Maximova

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

We are investigating novel effects and applications using positrons and structured surfaces.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Harnessing non-classical correlations of exciton-polariton condensates

This project aims to experimentally probe and manipulate the non-classical properties of exciton polariton condensates, which will pave the way for tunable generation of quantum light on a semiconductor chip.

Dr Eliezer Estrecho, Prof Elena Ostrovskaya, Professor Andrew Truscott

Physics Education

Evaluating the Spin-First Approach to Teaching Quantum Computing

This project analyses pre- and post-test data from students learning quantum computing through the spin-first approach. The aim is to evaluate question reliability, identify learning gains, and help develop a validated concept inventory tailored to this increasingly common teaching method.

Mr Lachlan McGinness

Physics of Fluids

Controlling quantum turbulence in atomic superfluids

Turbulence is one of the most important unsolved problems in modern physics, underpinning universal phenomena from galactic formation to heat and pollutant transport in our atmosphere and oceans. This project seeks to theoretically investigate turbulence in superfluids, and introduce methods of controlling the system dynamics using quantum feedback control.

Dr Zain Mehdi, Dr Simon Haine, Professor Joseph Hope

Quantum Science and Technology

Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms

This experimental project aims to create entangled states of ultracold helium atoms where the entanglement is between atoms of different mass. By manipulating the entangled pairs using laser induced Bragg transitions and measuring the resulting correlations, we will study how gravity affects mass-entangled particles.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Andrew Truscott

Shining new light on the ‘proton radius puzzle’ using ultracold helium

This experimental project, involves building an ultra-stable frequency laser which will be used to probe electronic transitions in ultracold - 3He and 4He.  These measurements will then be used to determine the differential isotopic nuclear charge radius of helium to a world leading absolute accuracy.

Professor Andrew Truscott, Dr Sean Hodgman

Quantum chemistry modelling of rare earth crystals for quantum technologies

Quantum technology applications of rare earth crystals would benefit from accurate ab-initio models of how quantum properties arise from fundamental atom-atom interactions in crystals. In this project, we will adapt recent advances in molecular quantum chemistry models to rare earth crystals and apply them to quantum technology problems.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt

Atomic magnetometer for exploring physics beyond the standard model and gyroscopy

Atomic sensors are exquisitely sensitive. We aim to model and build a new generation of atomic sensors to measure magnetic fields, rotation and dark matter. 

Professor Ben Buchler

Evaluating the Spin-First Approach to Teaching Quantum Computing

This project analyses pre- and post-test data from students learning quantum computing through the spin-first approach. The aim is to evaluate question reliability, identify learning gains, and help develop a validated concept inventory tailored to this increasingly common teaching method.

Mr Lachlan McGinness

Interactions between antimatter and ultracold atoms

Antiparticles and antimatter have progressed from theory and science fiction to become an important and exciting area of pure and applied science. This fundamental atomic physics project will investigate how antimatter and matter interact by experimentally studying the interaction of positrons (the electron anti-particle) with trapped ultracold rubidium atoms.

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Stephen Buckman, Dr Joshua Machacek

Atom-light interactions in quantum memories

Quantum memories store light in atomic ensembles for applications in quantum computing and networking. This project explores how atoms and light interact in prototype quantum memories that use rare earth atoms in crystals for storage, aiming to improve memory efficiency,  storage capacity, and performance in real-world devices.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr James Stuart

Femtosecond laser cleaning of Aboriginal rock art

This project develops safe, damage-free laser cleaning for Australian Indigenous rock art and historic stone monuments, removing contaminants without altering surfaces. Using ultrashort pulse lasers at multiple wavelengths, it combines laboratory optimization and field-applicable procedures, in collaboration with heritage partners and Indigenous custodians, to restore and preserve culturally and visually significant sites.

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Ksenia Maximova

Efficient optical interconnect for quantum computers

Superconducting and spin qubits are leading quantum computing technologies, but we currently have no way to connect them to optical quantum networks that will make up a future quantum internet. This project will develop an interconnect capable of efficiently converting microwave quantum information from these qubits to optical frequencies.

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr Lara Gillan

Harnessing non-classical correlations of exciton-polariton condensates

This project aims to experimentally probe and manipulate the non-classical properties of exciton polariton condensates, which will pave the way for tunable generation of quantum light on a semiconductor chip.

Dr Eliezer Estrecho, Prof Elena Ostrovskaya, Professor Andrew Truscott

Exploring physics with neural networks

Machine learning based on deep neural networks is a powerful method for improving the performance of experiments.  It may also be useful for finding new physics.

Dr Aaron Tranter, Professor Ben Buchler, Professor Ping Koy Lam

Exploring the many body physics in an atomic matterwave system with PT symmetry

Investigating the possible enhancement of sensitivity in atomic sensors with PT symmetry and the underlying many body evolution.

Dr Jessica Eastman, Dr Simon Haine

Beam matching using machine learning

This project aims to use a machine learning algorithm to perform beam alignment in an optics experiment. It would involve mode-matching two optical beams using motorised mirror mounts. Additional degrees of freedom like lens positions and beam polarisation can be added later.

Dr Aaron Tranter

Controlling quantum turbulence in atomic superfluids

Turbulence is one of the most important unsolved problems in modern physics, underpinning universal phenomena from galactic formation to heat and pollutant transport in our atmosphere and oceans. This project seeks to theoretically investigate turbulence in superfluids, and introduce methods of controlling the system dynamics using quantum feedback control.

Dr Zain Mehdi, Dr Simon Haine, Professor Joseph Hope

Theoretical Physics

Enhancing particle builder: developing comprehensive physics explanations

This project aims to enhance the educational value of the online adaptation of Particle Builder by developing comprehensive physics and mathematical explanations. Through a literature review, content creation, and analysis of engagement data, the student researcher will contribute their physics expertise to create an engaging and effective learning resource.

Mr Lachlan McGinness