Determining three-dimensional atomic structures is essential for understanding chemical and biological processes, developing materials with advanced properties, and discovering new medicines. Although conventional crystallographic methods have transformed structural science, they often cannot be applied to compounds that form only micro- or nanometre-sized crystals. Three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED), also known as MicroED, extends crystallographic structure determination to crystals that are too small for conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It therefore provides access to structures and scientific questions that were previously difficult or impossible to investigate. In this project, the student will contribute to the continued development and application of robust 3D ED/MicroED workflows at ANU for determining the structures of small molecules and functional materials. The work may include specimen preparation, electron-diffraction data collection, crystallographic data processing, structure solution, refinement and structural interpretation. The student will gain hands-on experience with transmission electron microscopy, electron crystallography and modern methods for atomic structure determination.  

Fundamentals of diffraction and quantum mechanics.