Potential student research projects

Astrophysics

Exotic nuclear structure towards the neutron dripline

Investigate the structure and radioactive-decay properties of exotic nuclei, and the roles they play in advancing modern nuclear theory, stella nucleosynthesis and applications of nuclear technology in society.

Dr AJ Mitchell, Professor Gregory Lane

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

Prospects of future ground-based gravitational-wave detector network

In this project, we study the gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics science cases and observational prospects with future ground-based gravitational-wave observatories.

Dr Lilli (Ling) Sun, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Distinguished Prof David McClelland

Simulating cosmic-ray interactions with materials for dark matter and commercial applications

This project uses Geant4 simulations to investigate how naturally occurring cosmic rays interact with materials relevant to physics and environmental research, including NaI(Tl) crystals, gaseous detectors, and soil.

Dr Yiyi Zhong, Dr Lindsey Bignell

Advanced detector development for rare event particle physics

Experimental, simulation, and data analysis projects are available to help develop advanced detection technology which will form the basis of a future large particle physics experiment in Australia

Dr Lindsey Bignell, Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Miss Victoria Bashu, Professor Gregory Lane

Tracking radon-induced backgrounds in the CYGNO directional dark matter detector

This project investigates radon-induced backgrounds in the CYGNO directional dark matter detector. The student will develop an event-by-event simulation of radioactive decay chains and use alpha particle signatures to infer low-energy backgrounds, contributing to the understanding of detector performance using recent experimental data.

Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Dr Alasdair McLean, Dr Lindsey Bignell, Professor Gregory Lane

Radon control in directional dark matter detectors

Directional dark matter searches provide a way to probe beyond the irreducible ‘neutrino fog’ that limits traditional dark matter experiments. CYGNUS-OZ is part of the global directional dark matter effort, and this project focuses on the critical challenge of radon control in these detectors.

Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Dr Lindsey Bignell, Professor Gregory Lane

Radioimpurities in particle detectors for dark matter studies

This experiment will characterise dark matter detector material. Lowest levels of natural radioactivity in high purity samples will be analysed via ultra-senstive single atom counting using acclerator mass spectrometry.

Dr Michaela Froehlich , Dr Yiyi Zhong, Dr Zuzana Slavkovska, A/Prof Stephen Tims

Atomic and Molecular Physics

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

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

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

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

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

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

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

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

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

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

Biophysics

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Understanding drought-resistance in Australian plants with 3D X-ray microscopy

This project will use unique, ANU-designed 3D X-ray microscopes and state-of-the art image analysis to track physiological responses of drought-tolerant Australian plants when subjected to water stress. The results will help us understand the mechanisms that underpin drought-tolerance, helping resolve ongoing debates and helping understand which forest eco-systems that are most vulnerable to climate change, and why.

Prof Adrian Sheppard, Dr Levi Beeching, Dr Andrew Kingston

Specific ion effects

We are seeking students to perform fundamental research into how different ions exert influence in a myriad of systems.

Professor Vincent Craig

Solid-state nanopore sensors: Unveiling new frontiers in biomolecule detection

Investigate novel nanopore bio-sensors using nanofabrication, bio-chemsity and machine learning.

Prof Patrick Kluth

Clean Energy

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

Machine learning approaches for nuclear fusion reactions

Proton-boron fusion has the potential to deliver limitless clean energy. This project will aims to understand the physics underpinng this important nuclear reaction by developing machine learning approaches to analyse complex reaction probabilities.

Dr Edward Simpson

Creating new materials using pressure and diamond anvil cells

New forms of materials can be made using extreme pressures via diamond anvil cells.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Engineering in Physics

Single side-band modulators for laser interferometric measurements

A topic with a short-term Engineering project and Physics project, to investigate using optical single side-band modulators for interferometric measurements.

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Chathura Bandutunga

Vibration control for optical interferometry

Develop an active vibraiton isolation platform to provide a quiet, small displacement environment for high precision inteferometry.

A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua, Professor Robert Ward

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Miniature absolute gravimeter

Absolute gravimeters tie their measurement of gravity to the definition of the second
by interrogating the position of a falling test mass using a laser interferometer. Our vision is to develop and prototype a miniaturised absolute gravimeter by
leveraging modern vacuum, laser, and micro-electromechanical systems.

Dr Samuel Legge

Engineering Inter-spacecraft laser links

Inter-satellite laser links are an emerging technology with applications in Earth Observation, telecommunications, security, and, the focus of the CGA space technology group.

Professor Kirk McKenzie, Dr Andrew Wade, Dr Ya Zhang, Dr Emily Rose Rees

Fibre optic sensor arrays for vibrometry and acoustic sensing

By leveraging hybrid digital-optical methods, we develop new distributed and quasi-distributed fibre-optic acoustic sensors. These acoustic sensors aim to measure vibration, strain and displacement all while localising the signal source along an optical fibre.

Dr Chathura Bandutunga , A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

High pressure creation of new forms of diamond

The hexagonal form of sp3 bonded carbon is predicted to be harder than 'normal' cubic diamond. We can make tiny amounts of this new form of diamond and want to know if it really is harder than diamond.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Ultra-fast lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states

Use ultra-fast gamma-ray detectors to perform excited-state lifetime measurements and investigate single-particle and collective features of atomic nuclei.

Professor Gregory Lane, Dr AJ Mitchell, Emeritus Professor Andrew Stuchbery, Emeritus Professor Tibor Kibedi

Dual torsion pendulum for quantum noise limited sensing

Construct a small dual tosion pendulum which have their centre of mass co-incide and their rotational axis colinear. Inital diagnostics will be done using shadow sensors.

A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua, Professor Robert Ward

Developing ultra-high resolution optical meta-surface sensors

The project aims to develop methods to improve the sensitivity of optical metasurfaces for the detection of chemical and biological markers. By tailoring a high-precision optical interferometric sensing solution to the optical properties of a metasurface under-test, the project will improve the sensitivity of these devices, developing a new range of targeted ultra-precise metasurface sensors.

Dr Chathura Bandutunga , Prof Dragomir Neshev

Higher-order mode displacement sensors

A project to advance a prototype displacement sensor to test-type phase, via improved compact mechanical design, vacuum compatibility, and improved sensor testing.

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

Creating new materials using pressure and diamond anvil cells

New forms of materials can be made using extreme pressures via diamond anvil cells.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

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

Creation of novel hybrid boron nitride materials

This project focussed on the creation of novel hybrid boron nitride materials by utilizing advanced green techniques of mechanochemistry and high-pressure methods.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Environmental Physics

Surface forces and the behaviour of colloidal systems

We measure the basic forces that operate between molecules that are manifest at interfaces. These forces control the stability of colloidal systems from blood to toothpaste. We use very sensitive techniques that are able to measure tiny forces with sub nanometer distance resolution. Understanding these forces enables us to predict how a huge variety of colloidal systems will behave.

Professor Vincent Craig

Strontium-90 in the environment

Strontium is a naturally occurring element that accumulates in bones, with its radioactive isotope Sr-90 posing environmental concerns due its presence in nature.

Dr Michaela Froehlich , Dr Stefan Pavetich, A/Prof Stephen Tims

Radioactivity in our environment

Radionuclides such as 236U and 239Pu were introduced into the environment by the atmospheric nuclear weapon tests and an be readily measured by accelerator mass spectrometry.

Dr Michaela Froehlich

High pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems

The goal of this research is to study high pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems with applications to space, waste treatment and material science.

A/Prof Cormac Corr

Montebello Islands - A former nuclear test site

This project investigates anthropogenic radionuclides from the 1950s–60s nuclear tests in various marine sample types near the Montebello Islands. By analysing isotopic signatures, it aims to distinguish contributions from Montebello and Pacific Proving Ground tests, supporting environmental tracing, dose assessment, and collaboration with institutions like ANSTO and ARPANSA.

Dr Michaela Froehlich , Ms Madison Williams-Hoffman

Nanobubbles

Nanobubbles are simply nanosized bubbles. What makes them interesting? Theory tells us they should dissolve in less than a second but they are in some cases stable for days.

Professor Vincent Craig

Fusion and Plasma Confinement

The effect of He irradiation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of W/ W alloys

Nuclear fusion is a promising technology for solving the world’s energy crisis while drastically reducing pollution and avoiding the creation of nuclear waste, a major issue for nuclear fission. However, there are many scientific and technical challenges to be overcome before this technology can be used for large-scale energy generation. One of the problems that need to be solved is the tolerance of the diverter walls to the high temperatures and He implantation – conditions that are prevalent inside the fusion reactors.

A/Prof Cormac Corr, Dr Matt Thompson

Diagnosing plasma-surface interactions under fusion-relevant conditions

This project involves studying the complex plasma-surface interaction region of a fusion-relevant plasma environment through laser-based and spectroscopic techniques.

A/Prof Cormac Corr, Dr Matt Thompson

Machine learning approaches for nuclear fusion reactions

Dr Edward Simpson

Materials Science and Engineering

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

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Colloidal systems in highly concentrated salt solutions

We are studying colloidal systems in highly concentrated salt solutions. Here a number of surprising and unexplained things happen that are associated with surprisingly long-ranged electrostatic forces

Professor Vincent Craig

Solving the problem of how to measure a material harder than diamond

In experiments, measuring the hardness of a very hard material is fundamentally challenging. We aim to study the physical mechanics behind nanoindentation measurements to help better measure superhard materials.

Dr Xingshuo Huang, Prof Jodie Bradby

Functional nanopore membranes

Nano-pore membranes have important applications in chemical- and bio-sensing, water filtration and protein separation. This project will investigate our innovative technology to fabricate nanopore membranes in silicon dioxide and silicon nitride and exploit their use for advanced applications.

Prof Patrick Kluth

Nanowire photodetectors for photonic and quantum systems

Semiconductor nanowires are emerging nano-materials with substantial opportunities for novel photonic and quantum device applications. This project aims at developing a new generation of high performance NW based photodetectors for a wide range of applications.

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

III-V nanowire arrays for ultra-sensitive, selective, and flexible gas sensing applications

This project aims at design, fabrication, and characterisation of advanced III-V semiconductor nanowire gas sensors for environmental and healthcare monitoring.

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li

The effect of He irradiation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of W/ W alloys

A/Prof Cormac Corr, Dr Matt Thompson

Diagnosing plasma-surface interactions under fusion-relevant conditions

This project involves studying the complex plasma-surface interaction region of a fusion-relevant plasma environment through laser-based and spectroscopic techniques.

A/Prof Cormac Corr, Dr Matt Thompson

High pressure creation of new forms of diamond

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Nano-Scale III-V Light Sources on Si

This project tackles the long-standing challenge of integrating efficient light sources on silicon by enabling direct epitaxy of InP/InAsP nanostructures. By engineering the III-V/Si interface to overcome lattice and polarity mismatch, it aims to unlock scalable, energy-efficient Si photonics critical for AI data centres and next-generation computing infrastructure.

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

Mathematical making

Explore the geometry and symmetries of surfaces and other mathematical objects and their relevance in physical, chemical and biological contexts.

Dr Vanessa Robins

Crystal Phase Engineering for Efficient Green-Emitting LEDs

This project addresses the LED “green gap” problem by engineering GaP and AlInP nanostructures to adopt the hexagonal wurtzite phase, transforming them into direct bandgap semiconductors. Using the crystal structure transfer technique, it aims to achieve efficient green emission, enabling true white RGB displays, advanced lighting, and next-generation microdisplays.

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

Electrically Injected Bottom-Up Micro-Cavity Lasers

This project aims to demonstrate electrically injected InP/InAsP micro-ring nanolasers grown by selective area epitaxy. By combining atomically smooth, low-loss cavities with scalable on-chip integration, it addresses a key challenge in nanophotonics. The resulting light sources promise transformative applications in telecommunications, sensing, and next-generation photonic integrated circuits.

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

GeSn defect properties measured by nanoindentation

To understand defects in metal-semiconductor alloys, specifically GeSn in this project, to help making better alloy films and devices.

Dr Xingshuo Huang, Prof Jodie Bradby, Emeritus Professor Jim Williams

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

Wearable III-V nanofilm photodetectors and sensors

Semiconductor nanofilms are just some tens of nanometres thick single-crystalline structures with lateral dimensions in cm-scale. The ultra-low thickness gives these films interesting properties differing from bulk materials, and enables interesting novel device concepts in photodetection and gas sensing.

Dr Tuomas Haggren, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Creating new materials using pressure and diamond anvil cells

New forms of materials can be made using extreme pressures via diamond anvil cells.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

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

Creation of novel hybrid boron nitride materials

This project focussed on the creation of novel hybrid boron nitride materials by utilizing advanced green techniques of mechanochemistry and high-pressure methods.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Nanofluidic diodes: from biosensors to water treatment

Controlling the flow of ions and molecules through nano-sized pores is fundamental in many biological processes and the basis for applications such as DNA detection, water desalination and drug delivery. The project aims to develop solid-state nanofluidic diodes and exploit their properties for applications in bio-sensors and ion-selective channels.

Prof Patrick Kluth

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Understanding material defects at the atomic scale using anitmatter.

Dr Joshua Machacek, Professor Stephen Buckman

Surface forces and the behaviour of colloidal systems

Professor Vincent Craig

Colloidal systems in highly concentrated salt solutions

Professor Vincent Craig

Bottom-Up Nanolasers for Next-Generation Integrated Nanophotonics

This project develops bottom-up, epitaxially-grown nanolaser cavities with atomically smooth facets that overcome scattering losses in top-down fabricated devices. By exploring advanced cavity concepts—including flatband and topological nanolasers—it aims to deliver robust, scalable, and low-threshold light sources, redefining nanolaser technology for next-generation integrated photonic systems.

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

Functional nanopore membranes

Prof Patrick Kluth

III-V nanowire arrays for ultra-sensitive, selective, and flexible gas sensing applications

This project aims at design, fabrication, and characterisation of advanced III-V semiconductor nanowire gas sensors for environmental and healthcare monitoring.

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li

High pressure creation of new forms of diamond

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Nano-Scale III-V Light Sources on Si

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

Specific ion effects

We are seeking students to perform fundamental research into how different ions exert influence in a myriad of systems.

Professor Vincent Craig

Quantum-well nanowire light emitting devices

In this project we aim to design and demonstrate III-V compound semiconductor based quantum well nanowire light emitting devices with wavelength ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 μm for optical communication applications.

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Nanobubbles

Nanobubbles are simply nanosized bubbles. What makes them interesting? Theory tells us they should dissolve in less than a second but they are in some cases stable for days.

Professor Vincent Craig

Resonant metasurfaces for enhanced frequency conversion

This project explores the design and development of nonlinear metasurfaces, ultrathin layered nanostructures capable of enhancing frequency conversion. Using novel design methods, the student will contribute to fabricate and experimentally test free-form metasurfaces with optimised efficiency, directionality, and polarisation, ultimately demonstrating metasurfaces that can surpass the performance of conventional designs.

Dr Maria del Rocio Camacho-Morales, Prof Dragomir Neshev

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

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

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Wearable III-V nanofilm photodetectors and sensors

Dr Tuomas Haggren, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Creating new materials using pressure and diamond anvil cells

New forms of materials can be made using extreme pressures via diamond anvil cells.

Prof Jodie Bradby, Dr Xingshuo Huang

Optical metamaterials: fundamentals and applications

Experimental and theoretical work on the development of novel nanostructured materials with unusual optical properties. Special attention to our research is the development of tunable and functional nanostructured metamaterials that interact strongly with light. Such materials underpin novel optical technologies ranging from wearable sensors to night-vision devices.

Prof Dragomir Neshev

Solid-state nanopore sensors: Unveiling new frontiers in biomolecule detection

Investigate novel nanopore bio-sensors using nanofabrication, bio-chemsity and machine learning.

Prof Patrick Kluth

Electrically injected metasurface lasers

Metasurfaces have emerged as a cornerstone for next-generation optics and optoelectronics. This project aims to create metasurface lasers from III-V semiconductor thin-films, that are additionally pumped electrically.

Dr Tuomas Haggren, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Nanofluidic diodes: from biosensors to water treatment

Prof Patrick Kluth

Nanowire infrared avalanche photodetectors towards single photon detection

This project aims to demonstrate semiconductor nanowire based infrared avalanche photodetectors (APDs) with ultra-high sensitivity towards single photon detection. By employing the advantages of their unique one-dimensional nanoscale geometry, the nanowire APDs can be engineered to different device architectures to achieve performance superior to their conventional counterparts. This will contribute to the development of next generation infrared photodetector technology enabling numerous emerging fields in modern transportation, communication, quantum computation and information processing.

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Photonics, Lasers and Nonlinear Optics

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

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Shan Liu

Single side-band modulators for laser interferometric measurements

A topic with a short-term Engineering project and Physics project, to investigate using optical single side-band modulators for interferometric measurements.

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Chathura Bandutunga

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

Bottom-Up Nanolasers for Next-Generation Integrated Nanophotonics

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

Nanowire photodetectors for photonic and quantum systems

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

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

Metasurface polarization optics and quantum photonics

This project aims for developing polarization optical devices based on all-dielectric metasurfaces. As no bulky optical elements and moving parts are required, these devices are compact, stable, and can operate in a single-shot mode with high time resolution. Potential applications include sensitive biological imaging and quantum state manipulation and tomography.

Prof Andrey Sukhorukov

Engineering Inter-spacecraft laser links

Inter-satellite laser links are an emerging technology with applications in Earth Observation, telecommunications, security, and, the focus of the CGA space technology group.

Professor Kirk McKenzie, Dr Andrew Wade, Dr Ya Zhang, Dr Emily Rose Rees

Fibre optic sensor arrays for vibrometry and acoustic sensing

Dr Chathura Bandutunga , A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

Quantum photonics with nanostructured metasurfaces

Metasurface can the generation and manipulation of polarization-entangled photon pairs at the nanoscale.

Prof Andrey Sukhorukov

Crystal Phase Engineering for Efficient Green-Emitting LEDs

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

Quantum-well nanowire light emitting devices

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Small-package light sources investigation for displacement sensors

Can we use small-package Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) or commercial laser diodes for high-performance interferometric displacement sensors?

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

Positron interactions with structured surfaces

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

Dr Joshua Machacek, Dr Sergey Kruk

Higher-order mode displacement sensors

A project to advance a prototype displacement sensor to test-type phase, via improved compact mechanical design, vacuum compatibility, and improved sensor testing.

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

Optical metamaterials: fundamentals and applications

Prof Dragomir Neshev

Electrically injected metasurface lasers

Dr Tuomas Haggren, Professor Hoe Tan, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Optical nanoantennas

Antennas are at the heart of modern radio and microwave frequency communications technologies. They are the front-ends in satellites, cell-phones, laptops and other devices that make communication by sending and receiving radio waves. This project aims to design analog of optical nanoantennas for visible light for advanced optical communiction.

Prof Dragomir Neshev

Nanowire infrared avalanche photodetectors towards single photon detection

Professor Lan Fu, Dr Zhe (Rex) Li, Professor Chennupati Jagadish

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

Understanding drought-resistance in Australian plants with 3D X-ray microscopy

Prof Adrian Sheppard, Dr Levi Beeching, Dr Andrew Kingston

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

Physics of the Nucleus

Exotic nuclear structure towards the neutron dripline

Dr AJ Mitchell, Professor Gregory Lane

Towards a global understanding of nuclear fission

Improved understandings of nuclear fission is key for many areas of science, including heavy element formation in supernova and neutron-star mergers, making safer nuclear reactors, and the formation and properties of long-lived superheavy isotopes. Students involved in this project will further our understanding of fission across the chart of nuclides.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Emeritus Professor David Hinde, Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, Dr Jacob Buete

How do we make the next superheavy nucleus?

This project aims to make measurements that help inform us on how new superheavy elements can be made in the lab.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Dr Jacob Buete, Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, Emeritus Professor David Hinde

Ultra-fast lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states

Use ultra-fast gamma-ray detectors to perform excited-state lifetime measurements and investigate single-particle and collective features of atomic nuclei.

Professor Gregory Lane, Dr AJ Mitchell, Emeritus Professor Andrew Stuchbery, Emeritus Professor Tibor Kibedi

Simulating cosmic-ray interactions with materials for dark matter and commercial applications

Dr Yiyi Zhong, Dr Lindsey Bignell

Advanced detector development for rare event particle physics

Experimental, simulation, and data analysis projects are available to help develop advanced detection technology which will form the basis of a future large particle physics experiment in Australia

Dr Lindsey Bignell, Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Miss Victoria Bashu, Professor Gregory Lane

Tracking radon-induced backgrounds in the CYGNO directional dark matter detector

Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Dr Alasdair McLean, Dr Lindsey Bignell, Professor Gregory Lane

Impact of nuclear structure on dark matter direct detection

Quantum many-body modelling of the atomic nucleus will help us understand how dark matter particles interact with atomic nuclei, as well as how many scattering events we can expect in underground laboratory search for dark matter.

Ms Raghda Abdel Khaleq, Dr Navneet Krishnan, Professor Cedric Simenel

Radon control in directional dark matter detectors

Dr Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, Dr Lindsey Bignell, Professor Gregory Lane

Understanding energy dissipation in colliding quantum many-body systems

This project aims to gain fundamental insights into the mechanisms of energy dissipation in nuclear collisions by making new measurements that will aid in the development of new models of nuclear fusion.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Professor Mahananda Dasgupta, Emeritus Professor David Hinde, Dr Jacob Buete

Radioimpurities in particle detectors for dark matter studies

Dr Michaela Froehlich , Dr Yiyi Zhong, Dr Zuzana Slavkovska, A/Prof Stephen Tims

Plasma Applications and Technology

High pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems

The goal of this research is to study high pressure non-equilibrium plasma discharges in chemically reactive systems with applications to space, waste treatment and material science.

A/Prof Cormac Corr

Quantum Science and Technology

Vibration control for optical interferometry

Develop an active vibraiton isolation platform to provide a quiet, small displacement environment for high precision inteferometry.

A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua, Professor Robert Ward

Prospects of future ground-based gravitational-wave detector network

In this project, we study the gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics science cases and observational prospects with future ground-based gravitational-wave observatories.

Dr Lilli (Ling) Sun, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Distinguished Prof David McClelland

Femtosecond laser cleaning of Aboriginal rock art

A/Professor Ludovic Rapp, Dr Ksenia Maximova

Harnessing non-classical correlations of exciton-polariton condensates

Dr Eliezer Estrecho, Prof Elena Ostrovskaya, Professor Andrew Truscott

Miniature absolute gravimeter

Dr Samuel Legge

Metasurface polarization optics and quantum photonics

Prof Andrey Sukhorukov

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

Quantum photonics with nanostructured metasurfaces

Metasurface can the generation and manipulation of polarization-entangled photon pairs at the nanoscale.

Prof Andrey Sukhorukov

Evaluating the Spin-First Approach to Teaching Quantum Computing

Mr Lachlan McGinness

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

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

Professor Andrew Truscott, Dr Sean Hodgman

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

Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Andrew Truscott

Small-package light sources investigation for displacement sensors

Can we use small-package Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) or commercial laser diodes for high-performance interferometric displacement sensors?

Dr Sheon Chua, A/Prof Bram Slagmolen

Dual torsion pendulum for quantum noise limited sensing

Construct a small dual tosion pendulum which have their centre of mass co-incide and their rotational axis colinear. Inital diagnostics will be done using shadow sensors.

A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua, Professor Robert Ward

Quantum chemistry modelling of rare earth crystals for quantum technologies

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt

Interactions between antimatter and ultracold atoms

Dr Sean Hodgman, Professor Stephen Buckman, Dr Joshua Machacek

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

Controlling quantum turbulence in atomic superfluids

Dr Zain Mehdi, Dr Simon Haine, Professor Joseph Hope

Efficient optical interconnect for quantum computers

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr Lara Gillan

Atom-light interactions in quantum memories

A/Prof Rose Ahlefeldt, Dr James Stuart

Theoretical Physics

Motions of crystalline bar-joint frameworks

Periodic frameworks, viewed as simple mechanisms, can be rigid or display a variety of exotic deformation properties such as surface modes or expansive auxetic motion. This project will conduct a systematic search for frameworks with these properties.

Dr Vanessa Robins

Stochastic dynamics of interacting systems and integrability

There are many interesting physical statistical systems which never reach thermal equilibrium. Examples include surface growth, diffusion processes or traffic flow. In the absence of general theory of such systems a study of particular models plays a very important role. Integrable systems provide examples of such systems where one can analyze time dynamics using analytic methods.

A/Prof Vladimir Mangazeev

Topological and Structural Science

Motions of crystalline bar-joint frameworks

Dr Vanessa Robins