UOW
UOW Site Search
Advanced Search
UOW Site Links
Index / Map / Contacts
Research @ UOW

Home

Introduction

Programs

Staff & Students

Graduates

Equipment

Publications

LatestNews

Research News

Reports

Statistics

Grants

Industry Links

International Links

Other Links

Safety

ISEM Awards

Other Engineering Research Areas

Terahertz Science, Solid State Physics

Although known for quite a while terahertz science is one of the most exciting emerging fields. Advances in terahertz technology offer enhanced national security, prosperity and quality of life. The fundamental aspects of terahertz research are closely underpinned with solid state physics, which is by far most important research field helping us to understand physical phenomena observed in wide range of materials. Researchers associated with this group are working in following areas:

ARC Discovery Projects

Novel graphene nanostructures: modelling, synthesis, fabrication and characterization
Project ID: DP0878661
Years Funded: 2008-2010
Chief Investigator: C. Zhang
Partner Investigators: D. Li, F. Liu, R. B. Kaner, Y. Jiang
Project Description:
As a key nanomaterial for future electronics, graphene is rapidly becoming one of the most promising frontier areas of nanotechnology throughout the world. This project aims to develop a new class of graphene nanostructures that hold great potential for large-scale applications in the next generation nanoelectronic devices, sensors, solar cells and light emitting devices. This project will significantly enhance the international competitiveness of Australia in the areas of new materials and nanotechnology and will help place Australia at the forefront of nanotechnology. This project will produce high quality PhD students in nanotechnology.
 
High efficiency terahertz emitters
Project ID: DP0665292
Years Funded: 2006-2008
Chief Investigator: R. A. Lewis
Project Description:
Between microwaves and visible light lies the terahertz gap - the least explored region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Yet the THz region is precisely where many materials exhibit characteristic signatures that allow them to be detected and identified. For example, anthrax, explosives, water, DNA, plastics, and carcinomas all have distinctive THz signatures. THz methods are revolutionizing medicine, agriculture, industry, and national security. Wider application is hampered by the lack of powerful sources of THz radiation. We aim to develop more efficient emitters of THz radiation. The national economy, security, and well-being will benefit.
 
Better emitters, enhanced optics, superior detectors: advancing terahertz science and technology for applications in medicine, agriculture, industry and national security
Project ID: DP0984200
Years Funded: 2009-2011
Chief Investigators: R. A. Lewis, J. Horvat
Partner Investigator: W. Xu
Project Description:
We will start with a new fundamental study of the interaction of light and matter to explicate the phenomena of the emission, transmission and detection of terahertz electromagnetic radiation. Using our increased understanding of terahertz science, we will then engineer better terahertz sources, optics, and sensors. Better terahertz technology will open up new applications in medical diagnosis, especially dermatology; industrial productivity, such as quality control; and the detection of contraband, including illicit drugs and explosives. In maintaining good health, transforming industries and safeguarding Australia, advanced terahertz systems will bring the nation health, economic and security benefits.
 

ARC Linkage International Fellowship

Design and creation of nanomechanical architectures from folding of ultrathin bi-layer films
Project ID: LX0881899
Years Funded: 2008
Chief Investigators: C. Zhang
International Fellow: F. Liu
Project Description:
The project will achieve progress in designing, modelling, analyzing, and characterization of nanomechanical architectures that will have broad application in Australian science and industry. If successful, our research will revolutionize nanofabrication technology and nano-design methods. The project will lead to a scientific understanding of atomic interaction and stress field effect in the formation of nanosystems. The result of this research will significantly lower fabrication costs and enhance the potential of nanomaterials in various areas such as electronics and bioelectronics, telecommunication, medical instrumentations, and pharmaceutical design.
 

ARC Linkage International Projects

Advanced materials and structures for terahertz science and technology
Project ID: LX0776043
Years Funded: 2007-2009
Chief Investigators: R. A. Lewis, R. Mendis, R. Vickers
Partner Investigators: H. L. Hartnagel, C. Sydlo
Project Description:
Anthrax, explosives, water, and cancer all have characteristic signatures in the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Security, defence, agriculture, medicine are some of the fields where THz science and technology are booming. THz developments offer enhanced national security, prosperity and quality of life. The lack of strong sources of THz radiation is the main factor hampering wider application of THz methods. In this project two university research teams come together to develop more efficient THz emitters. The Darmstadt team will prepare novel materials and structures and the Wollongong team will evaluate them and provide feedback for the next iteration.

 

  Last reviewed: 23 September, 2009 
 
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
Telephone +61 2 4221 3555

CRICOS Provider No: 00102E
Privacy, Disclaimer and Copyright
Feedback: webmasters@uow.edu.au