Astrophysics

The astrophysics group is very interested in: the detection of the reionization of the Universe by the earliest generation of galaxies; theoretical studies of the first stars and quasars (we are also a major partner in the construction of a new radio telescope in Western Australia - the MWA); measurement of the masses of the super-massive black-holes powering active galaxies in the early universe; theoretical investigations of galactic structure; studies of HI in nearby galaxies and gravitational lensing as a tool to study dark matter haloes of galaxies amongst others.

We are also deeply involved in the fundamental physics of compact objects like neutron stars and black holes which are expected to be detected as sources of gravitational waves during the next few years and form the basis for gravitational wave searches by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). The group is also studying the electrodynamics of relativistic pulsar winds, in an effort to answer fundamental questions such as how energy is transported in the (wave-like) wind as well as understand the intricate, variable shock structures observed by Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra at the wind-nebula interface in pulsar-driven supernova remnants like the Crab.

• Prof Rachel Webster
• Prof Bob Sault
• Dr Andrew Melatos
• Dr Stuart Wyithe

Experimental Particle Physics

EPP has a wide range of strengths including experimental design, construction, simulation, data analysis and high performance computing (Grid). We are currently involved in two major international high energy physics experiments: ATLAS (at CERN laboratory in Switzerland) and BELLE (at KEK facility in Japan). The ATLAS experiment, which is due to come on line in 2008, will herald a new era of discovery in particle physics.

We are developing analysis techniques to search for the Higgs boson, a particle believed to be responsible for mass, as well as techniques to search for evidence of extra spatial dimensions and particles responsible for Dark Matter. EPP is also involved in related spin-off technologies that rely on novel detector physics used for medical physics (PET), instrumentation and synchrotrons.

• Prof Geoffrey Taylor
• A/Prof Martin Sevior
• Dr Roger Rassool
• Dr Elisabetta Barberio

The group is also affiliated with the Australian Institute for High Energy Physics. AUSHEP website details...

Micro-Analystical Research Centre

MARC has two major research projects directed at the development of quantum technologies. Within each major research project there are a series of allied research programs that explore key fundamental issues in solid state and optical materials and devices for information processing and communications. These major research projects build on our established expertise in the application of ion beam physics to the modification and analysis of advanced materials. We host a program staffed by personnel from the CSIRO Division of Exploration and Mining who share time on our 5 MeV Pelletron accelerator and collaborate on a program directed at the analysis of geological materials.

• Prof David Jamieson
• Prof Steven Prawer
• Dr Jeff McCallum

Micro-Analytical Research Centre is an authorized Centre of the University of Melbourne and also represents the Melbourne node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology. CQCT website details...

Quantum Communications Victoria, a program designed to develop a single photon source for use in secure information technology, is also embedded within MARC. QCV website details...

Optical Physics

Members of our group pursue research in experimental and theoretical aspects of optical physics, atom optics, atomic & solid-state physics, and x-ray optics & physics. We are developing new tools for investigating atomic scattering of x-rays, including precise measurements and novel theory. Our work with lasers and atoms investigates the complexity of the light-interaction, and exploits advantages offered by atom optics in comparison to photon optics. We are also interested in the fundamental study of the interaction of light with fabricated nanoscale structures. The Synchrotron in Melbourne brings exciting opportunities for physics in our group.

• Prof Keith Nugent
• A/Prof Chris Chantler
• A/Prof Ann Roberts
• A/Prof Rob Scholten
• Dr Harry Quiney

This group also hosts the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, a Centre designed to develop new methods in imaging non-crystalline membrane proteins using coherent light sources from the Australian Synchrotron. CXS website details...

Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

This area of physics is in the early stages of a second “quantum revolution” and is one of the most active fields of research in present day: in the last decade, the Nobel Prize in Physics/Chemistry has been awarded ten times for work related to condensed matter physics. We can image and control tiny clusters of atoms and even individual atoms, at scales where quantum effects play a key role. Our research focuses on the characterization and imaging of condensed matter with atomic resolution using a variety of imaging modes, and on the properties of novel quantum states such as Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). We also study the transition of such macroscopic quantum systems into effectively classical objects via quantum decoherence and investigate the implications for foundational questions such as the infamous quantum measurement problem.

• A/Prof Les Allen
• Dr Andrew Martin
• Dr Andrew Greentree
• Prof Lloyd Hollenberg

Theoretical Particle Physics

Using multidisciplinary skill in particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics, our group attempts to answer some of the important questions in breakthrough science including:
What is the nature of the early universe? Why is the universe filled with matter rather than antimatter? What is the origin of cosmic rays? What is the mysterious dark matter? How do established neutrino oscillations affect the synthesis of the light elements one second after the Big Bang? How should the Standard Model of particle physics be extended, and what would be the resulting cosmological and astrophysical consequences? Are brane-worlds and extra-dimensional models useful?

• Prof Ray Volkas
• Prof Tony Gherghetta
• Dr Nicole Bell

The group is also affiliated with the Australian Institute for High Energy Physics. AUSHEP website details...