Documentation Issues in Scientific Software * #

Scientific software is coded for research purposes (e.g., ML/DL algorithms, statistical software, etc.), and given current trends of open science, it aims to be shared and reused. However, quite often this SciSoft (if not corporative) is poorly documented [see Vidoni, JSS2022]. This project aims to explore existing SciSoft OSS, and categorise common documentation issues by type of software, and crossing the findings with a developers' survey.

Dr Melina Vidoni

Cryptography and Formal methods * #

Examining the security of the deployed cryptographic using machine assisted tools  

Dr Thomas Haines

Classification of CVE's by Availability of Object Capability Solutions * #

Exploring the existing CVE and their categorisation to discover how applicable existing object capability solutions are to fixing the vulnerabilities.

Dr Alex Potanin

Spread of Information in Social Networks * #

The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of how the members of a community form their opinions through interactions with each other, from a theoretical perspective. In particular, you study a majority based opinion diffusion model which is designed to mimic the opinion formation process over social networks. The project has a mathematical part, where you theoretically investigate the model on various random graph models, and a programming part, where you need to design and implement different experiments on the graph data from real-world social networks to support your theoretical findings. Please check out the paper "Majority Vote in Social Networks: Make Random Friends or Be Stubborn to Overpower Elites" by Charlotte Out and Ahad N. Zehmakan for an introduction to the majority model and the outcomes of a similar project.

Requirements:1. Deep understanding of graph theory. (Familiarity with different random graph models and social networks is a plus, but not required.) 2. Good knowledge of probability theory. (Familiarity with Markov chains is an advantage.) 3. Excellent programming skills (ideally C++, Go or Python).

Dr Ahad N. Zehmakan

Debugging (and Synthesizing) Control Codes * #

To control complex physical processes, large and detailed control codes are developed iteratively, by a range of stakeholders, over years. Through a process of iterative refinement, and trial and error, the codes evolve into complex computer programs to support a range of simulation and real world contexts. We are interested in collaborative research programs that investigate the used of symbolic AI tools, and/or model checking tools, for use in eliminating errors that emerge in codes due to their size and complexity. This is a speculative project, and there are a number of angles of attack that would suite a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. We have two domain interests, adaptive optics and toroidal plasma confinement.

Dr Charles Gretton

Data-centric computer vision * #

Data and learning algorithms are two pillars in computer vision. While the latter has been widely studied in the community, it remains largely unknown how to understand, visualize and optimize data. This research will be built on existing outcomes in our group in data-centric vision and is publication driven. We aim to solve the most fundamental problems in computer vision / machine learning or the most useful applications in this area.

Important that scholars have experience in deep learning, computer vision, machine learning research.

Dr Liang Zheng

Bayesian deep learning * #

This project investigates the promises and pitfalls of merging Gaussian processes and modern deep networks, and in particular, its impact on uncertainty calibration and downstream applications such as active learning and out-of-distribution detection.

Machine learning research experience is required. Experience in probabilistic ML and deep learning is a plus.

Dr Thang D. Bui

Bayesian inference of Earth's viscosity *

The viscosity of Earth’s mantle controls mantle convection, maintains the gravitational potential, and long term sea levels.  This project will apply Bayesian inference against a variety of observations to construct a consistent model of the density and viscosity of the Earth's mantle. This project involves working with codes in an HPC environment and collaboration between researchers from CECS and RSES.

Programming experience in some or all of python, C/C++, and/or Fortran required.

Dr Rhys Hawkins

We study the statistics of turbulent, magnetised gases, relevant to the structure and evolution of the interstellar medium, and the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. We use a combination of supercomputer simulations, theory, analytical calculations, and comparison to observations.

The research project duration can be extended depending on interest and suitability.

Some experience and interest in programming (e.g., with python) is welcome, but not a strict requirement.

A key goal of the WALLABY HI survey on the Australian SKA Pathfinder is to map the density and velocity field of the local universe. Galaxies' distances and peculiar velocities will be measured using the Tully-Fisher relation between linewidth and absolute magnitude. The first step in this program is to determine the selection function for galaxies with well-measured HI velocity line widths. The second step is to use a new method for jointly fitting the Tully-Fisher relation and the parameters describing the velocity field. This project will address the first of these steps, with the goal of accurately determining the selection function for WALLABY HI linewidth measurements.

Basic knowledge of Python is highly desirable.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Spatial heterodyne spectrographs (SHS) offer compact, high-resolution spectrometry with numerous advantages, such as no moving parts, and cost-effectiveness.  This makes it ideal for future space-based spectroscopic instruments for astronomical and remote sensing observations from small-satellite platforms such as CubeSats.  This project encompasses science simulation, instrument modelling, electro-optical, and system design of spectroscopic instruments with a focus on UV astronomy. 

Background in scientific programming (e.g.: python) and data analysis is required.

The nature of dark matter and the formation of the first galaxies are both unsolved mysteries. My recently ARC-funded project aims to build an innovative framework to leverage future 21-cm experiments to observe cosmic dawn and to forecast the optimal constraints on dark matter physics.

Note: Projects are available that can be either astrophysics or machine learning-focused.

Background in statistics and/or machine learning; proficient in Python and/or C.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

There are giant, gamma-ray emitting lobes emerging from the nucleus of the Milky Way. These structures, known as the Fermi Bubbles, may be signatures of an outburst from the Galaxy’s supermassive black hole within the last million years. Alternatively, they may be unconnected to the black hole and due, instead, to star formation and related supernovae occurring in the centre of the Milky Way over much longer time periods. An important question bearing on the mystery of the origin of the Fermi Bubbles is: what creates the Bubbles’ gamma-ray emission?

In this project, you will investigate that question using the new cosmic ray propagation code CRIPTIC developed by our group. Specifically, you will determine whether cosmic ray electrons can create the Fermi Bubble gamma-rays by up-scattering ambient light in a process called inverse Compton scattering.

Background in programming experience is required; C++ and Python would be most helpful, but other languages are also acceptable.

The Pyxis interferometer is a prototype of a high angular resolution space-based interferometer, with hardware now complete. In this project, you will help to automate the fringe acquisition in order to make internationally unique measurements of dust shells around dying solar-type stars. It will involve some work in the evenings in order to set up the interferometer and collect data.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

Background in coding skills is required, preferably a little experience in both C and Python.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Understanding how maternal stress interacts with offspring temperature to affect physiological performance, behaviour and life history in lizards.

Background using R for data analysis, experimentation and wet lab skills is required.

In our lab, we use genetic and genomic approaches to study the evolution of diverse taxa across space and time. In this project, you will learn and apply the latest genomic methods to reconstruct the demographic history of iconic Australian reptile and mammal species, to investigate how population size has changed over thousands of years. 

This project would suit a candidate with an interest in bioinformatics. Familiarity with command line Linux and bash is required, and the ability to run/edit basic scripts in Python/R/or or other coding languages will be beneficial. 

This project will begin to investigate how landscape features influence gene flow in a widespread, generalist lizard (Heteronotia binoei) with the aim of better understanding factors that drive early stages of population divergence — the initiation of speciation.

Some background in genetics, working with genetic data, and coding is preferable. 

Little is known about the molecular and biochemical basis that enables iconic Australian plants such as kangaroo grass to thrive in extreme environments. This project seeks to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways within these Australian plants that could enable the engineering of future climate-proof crops.

Skills in molecular biology are essential. Skills in chemistry/biochemistry would be beneficial, but not essential. Other projects listed on a webpage can also be considered by the candidates.

Scholars can also consider other projects listed on the webpage.

We are looking at the combined effects of inbreeding and temperature on fitness-related traits in the mosquitofish, to better understand how climate change will impact small populations.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

Our research involves applying molecular dynamics simulations to understand how membrane proteins function and how they can be targeted for drug development. Topics of interest include understanding the basis of mechanosensation,  exploring the membrane transporters of the malaria parasite,  immuno-active toll-like receptors as well as bio-inspired water filtration and the applications of the thermally driven diffusion.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

Experience in molecular modelling or coding experience is desirable.

Construction of synthetic heavy metal binding protein nanocages for testing in bacterial and plant expression systems.

Experience/interest in SynBio protein engineering and Golden Gate cloning preferred

Australian honey bees are under attack from a recently introduced parasite, Varroa mites, which is predicted to kill almost all of them. A range of computational projects are available focused on examining evolutionary and ecological relationships between bees, mites and the viruses they vector.

Background in strong computational skills is required.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Nano-to-atomic materials for hydrogen fuel production from the wastewater.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia from the nitrogen-contained recourses/wastes.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

CO2 reduction to value-added chemicals/fuels based on novel functional catalysts.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

High-rate proton batteries for renewable energy storage and conversion.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Developing and applying new untargeted methods in metabolomics to rapidly and comprehensively characterise conjugated biomarkers by mass spectrometry. The project will develop new instrumental and data analysis methods to identify and characterise these biomarkers and apply these in areas such as drug development for diabetes treatment or the detection of drugs in sports.

Background in chemistry and mass spectrometry required. Experience in metabolomics, coding and chemical synthesis is beneficial but not essential.

Professor Malcolm McLeod

Students with an interest in instrumentation development can pursue coupling EPR platform in situ electrochemistry, in situ gas exchange and in situ light (Solar, UV, LED, laser) excitation, allowing operando characterization of defects and their evolution.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Assoc Prof Nick Cox

This project aims to magnetically label proteins for new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments to study a protein’s structure and dynamics at low concentrations and in-cell.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

This project will magnetically label proteins for new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments to study a protein’s structure and dynamics at low concentrations and in-cell, and then compute informative models from the measured EPR distances.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

EPR and related double resonance techniques allow us to elucidate changes in the localization of electron density (metal or ligand centred) following reduction or oxidation, and thus predict likely routes of chemical reactions/catalysis.

Note: PhD candidates will only be considered if they have the requisite skills.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Constrained peptides fill an important area of chemical space between small molecule therapies and larger antibodies. Constraining a peptide by macrocyclization or stapling can enhance metabolic stability, promote biological uptake across cell membranes, and increase binding affinity.

The Nitsche group at the ANU Research School of Chemistry has a strong interest in developing new biocompatible methods to constrain peptides and generate next-generation therapeutics.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

A/Prof. Christoph Nitsche

Identifying sociodemographic and climatic risk factors of dengue (Indonesia).

Some background in statistics and spatial skills are required.

Dr Tsheten Tsheten

Multimorbidity refers to the coexistence of multiple chronic health conditions in an individual and is a complex and multifaceted challenge in India. Implementing educational interventions as part of a broader strategy to manage and prevent multimorbidity could be a feasible option. This will be a rapid qualitative investigation including a few key informant interviews and a review of relevant policy documents.  

Background in policy analysis, review of policy documents, qualitative interview, and skills in qualitative data analysis using Atlas ti Or Nvivo software are required.

Dr Haribondhu Sarma

Analysis and Partial Differential Equations: Pierre Portal #

Harmonic, stochastic, and/or functional analysis of PDE and SPDE. The specific project will be tailored to the scholar's experience and interest. 

This project is only available for undertaking to start in July 2024 onwards

Assoc Prof Pierre Portal

Conduct a survey of recent results in the automorphisms of right-angled Coxeter groups, exploring the solution to the word problem in these groups.

Preferred - undergraduate level students.
The students should have taken a course in abstract algebra and a course in topology.  Some coding skills are desirable.

Assoc Prof Adam Piggott

Using mathematics for truth-telling in mathematics history; collection and investigations of sparse archival data on non-Western mathematics using phylogenetic and Bayesian methods and new AI tools; transmission of mathematics within and between cultures; decolonisation of mathematics.

The project would suit a student from an Indigenous minority background who is interested in non-Western and Indigenous mathematical knowledge.

Several of the mathematicians in Algebra/Topology at the Mathematical Sciences Institute will be willing to host projects at the interface of several algebraic and topological areas.  

The project will be tailored to the interests and background of the student.

A dipole is a simpler alternative magnetic confinement configuration that produces closed field lines.  In the laboratory, a dipole field can be constructed by levitating a superconducting magnetic coil. This project would compute the field by solving the Grad-Shafranov equation (the governing equation for the magnetic field) out to the vacuum vessel, and compute particle orbits and confinement. 

A background in computational science and modelling is desirable.

Develop a Physics Inspired Neural Network to solve for tokamak equilibrium, and compare it to analytic solutions.

A background in computational science and modelling is desirable.

In this project, the student will be introduced to one of the many areas of mathematics motivated and inspired by String Theory and Quantum Field Theory. This could be, but is not limited to, Dualities, Generalised Geometry, Conformal Field Theory, (bundle) Gerbes, Yang-Mills and Seiberg-Witten gauge theory, Gromov-Witten invariants, etc. and will involve mathematics such as Differential Geometry, Symplectic Geometry, Algebraic Topology, (infinite dimensional) Lie Algebras, Operator Algebras, and Vertex Operator Algebras.

The project will be tailored to the interests and background of the student.

In this project, we will explore some current research topics in representation theory and related areas through implementing computational packages in computer algebra systems such as SageMath. Prior experience with programming, particularly Python, is strongly recommended for this project. The precise mathematical topic chosen will be tailored to the interests and background of the student.

Prior programming background required. A background in Python is ideal, but any other programming language is fine. Ideally have taken at least two courses in abstract algebra.

Classical and modern topics in the geometry of algebraic curves and surfaces. The specific project will be tailored to the student's interests and background.

Background in commutative algebra or algebraic geometry is highly desirable.

Cells live in an environment filled with viscous flowing fluid. We argue that extracellular fluid (ECF) properties not only control the rate of diffusion but also shape the physical forces that a cell experiences. It is therefore plausible that fluid mechanical forces precede other taxis. We will create new cell-based assays that can accelerate the micro-Avatars (organoid, spheroids) for human disease diagnosis and therapy.

Background in Cell culture, Microscopy Imaging, Imaging Analysis, Basic Biophysics or Biochemistry is preferred.

Investigating how variants in genes involved in cytokine signalling pathways contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.  We have developed unique mouse models that carry genetic variants from lupus patients. This project will examine whether genetic variants increase immune cell responsiveness to cytokines and what effects this has on cell activation and tolerance mechanisms.  

Background in general lab cellular and molecular biology techniques.  Experience with Flow cytometry is advantageous but not essential.  Must be willing to be involved in animal studies. 

This project will harness novel TLR7 inhibitors and examine their efficacy in vivo to prevent the generation of autoantibodies in auto-immune mouse models.  

Background in general lab cellular and molecular biology techniques.  Experience with Flow cytometry is advantageous but not essential.  Must be willing to be involved in animal studies. 

Modelling and interpretation of RNA molecules with deep learning for applications in RNA programming and therapeutic design. 

Background in machine learning, deep learning, and software development, with experience in applications in genomics or transcriptomics.

Personalised medicine in autoimmune disease ~ ^

This project involves the identification and demonstration of gene variants contributing to immune dysfunction and autoimmune disease. We demonstrate how human mutation alters protein function, leading to disturbed immune responses, and therefore autoimmunity. Using human and CRISPR mouse models we identify new mechanisms of autoimmunity, ways to treat with personalised medicine, and create models of autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease.

Background in wet lab skills desired.

The research project duration can be extended - subject to approval.

Assoc Prof Simon Jiang

Experimental nuclear structure * #

Fundamental and applied aspects of nuclear science at Australia's Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility. Projects use gamma-ray, electron and particle spectroscopy techniques to study atomic nuclei across a range of physics themes, including studies of the structure and shapes of atomic nuclei, nuclear lifetime measurements by direct timing and Doppler-shift methods, and magnetic moment measurement by hyperfine interaction techniques.

Dr AJ Mitchell, Prof Greg Lane, A/Prof Tibor Kibedi, Prof Andrew Stuchbery

Understanding energy dissipation in colliding quantum many-body systems #

The development, characterisation and optimisation of a new gas ionization detector system, with the aim to use this new system, and our 15 million Volt heavy ion accelerator, make precision measurements of the earliest stages of energy dissipation through the measurement of multi-nucleon transfer reactions, identifying the mass, charge and kinetic energies of nuclear reaction products.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Prof Mahananda Dasgupta, Prof David Hinde

Nuclei that fall apart: understanding the role of sub-zeptosecond processes in reactions of weakly-bound nuclei #

Experimental investigations aimed at understanding the interactions of weakly-bound nuclei using the Breakup Array for Light Nuclei (BALiN) at the ANU. BALiN is a large-position sensitive silicon detector array designed to make complete measurements of the fragments produced after the breakup of weakly-bound nuclei. Students will perform analysis of breakup and fusion reactions, and may perform theoretical modeling and simulations.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Prof Mahananda Dasgupta, Prof David Hinde

Towards a global understanding of nuclear fission #

At ANU, the CUBE detector array’s unprecedented angular coverage allows us to measure high-resolution mass-angle distributions of fission fragments. Using these high-statistics measurements, we gain unprecedented insights into fission and its competing processes. Students involved in this project will use CUBE data to further our understanding of nuclear fission across the chart of nuclides.

Dr Kaitlin Cook, Prof Mahananda Dasgupta, Prof David Hinde

Time dependence of nuclear fusion #

The project will involve writing high performance computer code to simulate nuclear fusion using time-dependent coupled channels models. The time dependence of the calculations will give the ability to address questions such as timescales for quantum tunnelling and new methods for fusion cross section calculation.

Dr Ed Simpson

Positron scattering experiments involving targets of fundamental interest * #

This project will help perform measurements and analysis of positron scattering using a state-of-the-art beamline. The data will be used to test the latest quantum models of low energy scattering.

Dr James Sullivan

Applications of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) #

Projects in AMS applications and methodology using the highest energy AMS Tandem accelerator system in the world. Current applications include radioactivity in traditional foods, exposure age dating, astrophysics, hydrology, and environmental studies. 

A/Prof. Steve Tims, Dr. Michaela Froehlich, Dr. Stefan Pavetich, Dr. Zuzana Slavkovska, Prof. Keith Fifield

Radio impurities in Dark Matter detectors #

This project is involved with determination of the radionuclide concentrations in materials used for Dark Matter detectors and which will ultimately set detector sensitivity.

Dr. Michaela Froehlich, Dr. Zuzana Slavkovska, A/Prof. Steve Tims

Chronology of the early solar system #

The project is involved with developing new techniques which could help establish the timeframe for processes occurring soon after the solar system formed.

Dr. Stefan Pavetich, Dr. Michaela Froehlich, A/Prof. Steve Tims

Radioactivity in the environment #

This project will use state of the art chemistry techniques to assess uranium and plutonium fallout from nuclear weapons tests in a range of samples.

Dr. Michaela Froehlich

Directional Dark Matter Measurements with CYGNUS * #

Our group at the ANU hosts Australia's CYGNUS prototype detector, CYGNUS-1. A number of experimental and computational projects are available for students with an interest in this area.

Dr. Lindsey Bignell, Dr. Zuzana Slavkovska, Dr. Peter McNamara, Prof. Greg Lane

The SABRE Dark Matter Experiment * #

SABRE is an Australian dark matter experiment due to come online in 2023. Software development and computational/analysis studies are available.

Dr. Lindsey Bignell, Dr. Zuzana Slavkovska, Dr. Peter McNamara, Prof. Greg Lane

Optimising a Neutron Star Extreme Matter Observatory * #

This project aims to bridge the modelling of the neutron star population and nuclear equation of state with the modelling of the detector configuration of a Neutron Star Extreme Matter Observatory, in order to maximise the probability to observer the aftermath of binary neutron star mergers in the gravitational-wave channel.

Dr Ling (Lilli) Sun and Dr Bram Slagmolen

Newtonian-noise sensor readout * #

This project relates to gravitational wave instrumentation and sensing technologies areas, working on advancing the optical scientific readout of the Newtonian-noise sensor being commissioned at the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics.

Dr Bram Slagmolen

Displacement sensing for seismic isolation systems. * #

This project will involve working on developing displacement sensors for intra- and inter-seismic isolation system readout, for gravitational wave instrumentation and sensing applications.

Dr Bram Slagmolen

Squeezed light for GW detectors *

This project will develop future squeezed light technologies in the audio band frequency range. This technology is designed to be compatible with, and to enhance the sensitivity of future gravitational wave (GW) detectors.

Dr Terry McRae

Laser stabilization improvements via thermal noise reduction *

This project uses multiple spatial modes to lower the effective thermal noise limit in laser stabilization.

Dr. Andrew Wade

Nonreciprocal nanophotonics: disruptive nanotechnology to control light * #

Photonics in the 21st century is undergoing revolutionary transformations driven by nanotechnology. Today we can nanofabricate functional optical components hundreds of times thinner than a human hair that match the performance or even outperform conventional bulky optics. The following lines of research are available: optical experiments, clean-room nanofabrication, analytical and numerical modelling of light-matter interactions.

Dr. Sergey Kruk

Quantum photonics with nanostructued metasurfaces #

Development of nanostructured optical metasurfaces for generation, transformation, and imaging of multi-photon quantum states.

Background in quantum optics and/or nanophotonics is desirable.

Prof Andrey Sukhorukov

Two dimensional materials based future electronic devices

The universal methods to produce nanoscale functional materials with single or a few atomic layers thicknesses, and implementing them in future electronics and sensors.

Background in nanoscale materials synthesis is preferred.

Dr Azmira Jannat

Nanowire lasers for applications in nanophotonics #

This project aims to investigate the concepts and strategies required to produce electrically injected semiconductor nanowire lasers by understanding light interaction in nanowires, designing appropriate structures to inject current, engineer the optical profile and developing nano-fabrication technologies. Electrically operated nanowire lasers would enable practical applications in nanophotonics.

Prof. Chennupati Jagadish and Prof. Hoe Tan

Micro-ring lasers for integrated silicon photonics #

The project aims to investigate compound semiconductor micro-ring lasers on silicon substrates using selective area growth to engineer the shape of the lasing cavity at the nano/micro-scale. This project will open up new doors to the industry since an integrated laser which is reliable, efficient and easily manufacturable is still elusive in Si photonics.

Prof. Hoe Tan and Prof. Chennupati Jagadish

Shape engineering of semiconductor nanostructures for novel device applications #

This project aims to investigate the growth of III-V semiconductors on pre-patterned nanotemplates. By using different shapes and geometries, it is envisaged that these nanostructures will provide novel architectures for advanced, next generation optoelectronic devices.

Prof. Hoe Tan and Prof. Chennupati Jagadish

Optical metasurface bio and gas sensing *

Metasurface optical sensors for bio and gas sensing- development of dielectric metasurfaces as optical sensors for refractometric detection of bio and gas molecules for healthcare and environmental monitoring. Specific aims of the project include: design, fabrication, characterisation, optimisation and, modification of these metasurfaces for sensing.

Dr Buddini Karawdeniya and Prof Dragomir Neshev

Solid-state nanopore single-molecule level sensing *

Solid-state single nanopores are nanometer diamater channels through an insulating membrane. These nanopores could act as single-molecule sensors by monitoring the change in resistance as molecules pass through the pores under an applied bias in an electrolyte solution. Specific aims of the project include:  fabrication, characterisation, optimisation and, modification of these nanopores for sensing as well as designing new protocols for complex sample testing.

Dr Buddini Karawdeniya and Prof. Patrick Kluth

Flexible quantum well nanowire LEDs #

III-V compound semiconductor nanowire (NW) light emitting diodes are promising nanoscale light sources for next generation integrated photonics. This project involves the design, growth, fabrication and characterisation of flexible III-V quantum well nanowire light emitting devices with wavelength ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 μm for optical communication applications. Both experimental and simulation work will be performed to understand the structural, optical and electrical properties of the nanowire LED devices.

Background in solid state physics and/or semiconductor physics is desirable.

Prof Lan Fu

Single-Photon Nanowire Detectors: Opto-Electro-Thermal Physics and Modelling

Students will be working on constructing a self-consist energy-balanced model for single-photon detector (SPD) made of one-dimensional nanowires, for which the device is treated as a tightly coupled optical, electrical and thermodynamic system. SPD is a fundamental building block in quantum technologies and nanowire-based SPD promises to deliver superior performance thanks to its nanoscale size and high material quality.

Dr. Zhe Li and Prof Lan Fu

Non-Hermitian dynamics of exciton-polariton quantum fluids

Exciton polaritons, hybrid particles of light and matter in a semiconductor, can form Bose-Einstein condensates and superfluids in an environment with gain and loss. Unlike conservative systems where particle number is conserved, these quantum fluids are described by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians due to the underlying gain and loss. Recent advances in non-Hermitian physics have predicted that the intricate balance of gain and loss will result in interesting dynamics, e.g., power oscillations and non-orthogonality of energy eigenstates, self-acceleration, etc. In this project, you will probe these nontrivial effects by carefully tuning the parameters that control the local gain and loss of polariton quantum fluids. Results of these experiments will form an important step in harnessing nontrivial effects which can eventually find applications in polaritonic devices.

ANU Polariton BEC group, Prof Elena Ostrovskaya, Prof Andrew Truscott, and Dr Eliezer Estrecho

Towards a Quantum-Enhanced Atomic Gravimeter

The quantum sensors group uses lasers to manipulate atoms, allowing them to be cooled such that quantum wave-like effects can be observed, such as interference in the atomic wavefunction. Atom interferometry can provide very precise measurements of gravity with very low base-line drift. This capability will eventually allow for monitoring of underground water movement through changes in the gravitational field. Our group is currently working towards the demonstration of the first atomic gravimeter with sensitivity enhanced by quantum entanglement. This will allow for more precise measurements for a given device size. This experimental project will involve characterising the quantum noise on the existing matterwave gravimeter in the Quantum Sensors group in DQST. In particular, the student will work atom counting with sub-shot-noise resolution, and then exploring the effects of atomic interactions and imperfect mode-overlap on the quantum noise of the device.

Prof. John Close, Dr. Simon Haine, Dr. Ryan Thomas

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. This will require the construction of an ultracold rubidium Magneto-Optic Trap (MOT), using laser cooling and magnetic trapping to produce trapped clouds of rubidium atoms at sub-miliKelvin temperatures.  The scientific aims of the project will be to measure a number of fundamental interaction parameters for positron-rubidium collisions, including cross-sections, ionisation of rubidium and positronium formation, which is a bound state where an electron and a positron combine to form a short-lived exotic atom.  Technically, the project will involve a lot of hands-on experimental work with laser systems, precise electronics, ultra-high vacuum systems, among other techniques.

Dr. Sean Hodgman, Dr. Josh Machacek, Prof. Steve Buckman

Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms

The unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics remains one of the great challenges in modern physics. A fundamental aspect that separates the microscopic world of ‘quantum weirdness’ from regular classical physics that we are much more intuitively familiar with is entanglement. Two quantum particles that interact with each other become entangled, such that subsequently measuring or manipulating the properties of one half of the pair will affect the other entangled partner.  This experimental project aims to create entangled states where the entanglement is between atoms of different mass.  Such an entangled state is created by individual collisions between pairs of metastable helium atoms from a degenerate Fermi gas (3He atoms) and a Bose-Einstein condensate (4He atoms).   We will exploit the unique capabilities of ultracold helium atoms trapped in the long lived (lifetime ~ 2 hours) metastable state (designated He*) to conduct a number of experiments testing various fundamental aspects of quantum entanglement.  The novel single atom detection He* provides allows the correlations necessary that show entanglement to be directly measured.  Scientific goals of this project include using 3He* to measure anti-bunching (a manifestation of the Pauli exclusion principle), studying the suppression of bosonic bunching due to fermions and investigating gravitational decoherence. Technically, the project will involve a lot of hands-on experimental work with laser systems, precise electronics, ultra-high vacuum systems, among other techniques.

Dr. Sean Hodgman and Prof. Andrew Truscott

UNESCO Chair in Science Communication for the Public Good *

Using approaches from science communication and the social and cultural studies of science, this project will explore imaginative ways of representing the inextricable linkages between environmental sustainability, social equity and economic prosperity. A case study (e.g., planetary health; ‘commons’ concepts) will be chosen on the basis of the student’s and supervisors’ background and interests.

A/Prof Sujatha Raman; Dr Merryn McKinnon, Dr Dan Santos; Prof Joan Leach

Precise mix of supervisors will depend on the student's background and selection of case study.

Responsible Innovation in Agricultural Biotechnology *

Informed by science communication and responsible innovation research, this project will look at the role of values, hopes, doubts and deeply held views about food and its production in relation to the agricultural biotechnology revolution (e.g., synthetic biology, gene editing, use of AI in agriculture).  Comparative research on researcher and/or public frames may be undertaken.

Prof Joan Leach and A/Prof Sujatha Raman