Current projects

See the projects you can apply to join as part of the Laby Research Scholars Program this year.

Accelerator physics

Experimental commissioning in the X-LAB (X-band Laboratory for Accelerators and Beams): a first in the Southern Hemisphere

Supervisor: Suzie Sheehy and Matteo Volpi
Keyword: Accelerator physics, Particle therapy

In this project the student will work closely with Dr. Matteo Volpi in the X-LAB: the first X-band accelerator test facility in the southern hemisphere. The term “X-band” refers to the ultra-high-frequency at which the device operates (12 GHz): this high frequency means the accelerators are physically much smaller and lighter than existing technology. This technology has many societal applications including high-energy physics and beyond, for example disruptive and paradigm-shifting cancer treatment concepts. However, this technology is extremely challenging to realise: it involves extreme electromagnetic fields, beyond-state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and detailed accelerator physics simulations. Depending on commissioning stage, the student will perform hands-on measurements in the X-LAB including measuring X-band components using a ‘bead-pull’ technique, comparing this to detailed electromagnetic simulations, and working toward understanding electrical breakdowns in pulse compressor and accelerating systems.

Xbox Electron accelerator radiation protection system

Supervisor: Roger Rassool
Keyword: Accelerator physics

The CERN XBOX is a state of the art, 12 GHz hi gradient, electron accelerator. An important part of the control system is to monitor the background radiation and insure that it always remain safe. This project will investigate how best to integrate the RODEM  background radiation monitors into the control system interlock. It will require a student with a keen, inquisitive mind. Some Programming experience in C or Python is desirable though not essential.

Astrophysics

The SpIRIT nanosatellite - Australia's first space telescope

Supervisor: Michele Trenti
Keyword: Astrophysics

The SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive – Intelligent – Thermal) nanosatellite mission is the first project funded for launch in orbit by the Australian Space Agency. The shoe-box sized satellite carries a sophisticated gamma and x-ray instrument for high energy astrophysics - the HERMES instrument - built by the Italian Space Agency.

SpIRIT will launch in November 2023. In early 2024 it is expected that HERMES will start acquiring data to contribute to detection of Gamma Ray Bursts and electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational-wave mergers.  This internship will give the opportunity to join the SpIRIT mission team and mission control centre, led out of the School of Physics at UoM, and to gain direct experience on in-orbit operations of a scientific and technology demonstrator satellite.

Specific projects possible for interns range from modelling and optimisation of science operations of the satellite to analysis and interpretation of scientific data and/or telemetered spacecraft data received from SpIRIT.

Growth of supermassive black holes

Supervisor: Rachel Webster
Keyword: Astrophysics

This project will examine a model for the growth of Supermassive Black Holes (SMBH).  During this project the student will develop some models of SMBH growth and then determine the sensitive parameters in these models.  The student work in the python programming language.

Cultural Astronomy

Cultural astronomy and dark sky studies: Understanding indigenous astronomy and the impacts of light pollution

Supervisor: Duane Hamacher
Keyword: Cultural Astronomy, Indigenous Knowledge, Dark Sky Studies

The student will work on research in cultural astronomy, specifically Indigenous astronomy in Australia, using a combination of archival, ethnographic, linguistic, and archaeological records to deep dive into the reconstruction and/or applications of Indigenous star knowledges from Australia and New Guinea. Topics can include mapping Indigenous constellations and stars, developing seasonal calendars, studying transient phenomena, developing educational programs, or examining the role of light pollution in the gradual erasure of these knowledges.

Condensed Matter Physics

Designing the next generation quantum computer

Supervisor: Stephan Rachel and Eric Mascot
Keywords: Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents a revolutionary frontier in technology, promising solutions to complex challenges across diverse fields such as materials science, medicine, and renewable energy. However, the current state of quantum computing is characterized by noise and limitations in scalability, often referred to as the "noisy intermediate-scale quantum" era. To unlock the full potential of quantum computing, we need to overcome these challenges.

Our mission is to design the next generation of quantum computers, ones that are robust against errors and capable of solving complex problems that are currently beyond reach. To overcome the obstacle of noise and errors, so-called fault-tolerant quantum computers are desirable, and our project explores the use of topologically protected qubits.

In this project, students will have the opportunity to delve into various aspects of topological quantum computing. For the mathematically inclined, there is the challenge of efficiently mapping the anyon Hilbert space to quantum states and translating braids into quantum gates. For those interested in programming, the focus will be on running simulations, conducting analysis, and optimizing processes. Students in this project will work closely with our research group, gaining exposure to cutting-edge mathematical techniques and computational methods. Moreover, they will have access to Australia’s world-class supercomputer. Join us in shaping the future of quantum computing.

Medical Physics

Neural engineering

Supervisor: Steven Prawer

Keywords: Medical Physics, Neural Engineering

In collaboration with  Carbon Cybernetics group we are developing novel electrode arrays for neural stimulation and recording. The demands of current applications in treatment of paralysis and blindness, required the development of a penetrating electrode array with 40 um electrode separation, less than half the pitch of our current design. The summer intern would work with our laser milling system and a variety of substrates to explore fabrication  limits. Concurrently, the intern will work on methods to fabricate straight and parallel electrode arrays.

The project would suit a student with an interest in materials who wishes to gain experience in neural engineering.

Optics

The search for Radiative Auger decay, tests of QED and Axions, and how they defend Australia's search for Rare Earth metals

Supervisor: Chris Chantler
Keywords: X-ray Optics, Synchrotron Science

Topics that are not covered on the undergraduate syllabus but are fully accessible in Masters (and Ph D) offer great opportunities in experimental and theoretical physics. Undergraduates get taught the photoelectric effect (absorption to the continuum) and time-independent quantum mechanics, but we know that the world requires time-dependent quantum mechanics (for any event in space-time).

A step beyond this, maybe with Wikipedia or a good third year textbook, and you can explain the origin of Auger decay and QED – though always better as a proper course in Masters [yes we have three – QM, QFT and QAO]. Perhaps surprising is that there is no explicit theory for the radiative Auger effect, and even more surprising that we can work on it theoretically and experimentally in an internship and in Masters (and of course in a Ph D).

To perform a direct test of QED is at least a Ph D, but to learn new insights on the current experimental unexplained anomalies can be an internship or a MSc – even to the point of productive new contributions to the literature (with two past interns making enough progress to become co-authors on a research paper).

The Mysterious Axions are one of the most ephemeral hypotheses currently on the table – but we can investigate them experimentally or perhaps more honestly analytically in an internship or MSc. Perhaps even more surprising is how this new understanding can be used to strengthen Australian Industry and the development of Australian companies searching for Rare Earth metals.

Structural colour and infrared reflectance in beetles

Supervisor: Ann Roberts
Keywords: Optics

The stunning, iridescent colours seen in Christmas beetles arise from nano-structures within their shell. Multilayer stacks of alternating refractive index or cholesteric liquid crystals produce strong reflectance over specific wavelength bands producing a characteristic colour sensitive to angle of incidence and polarization.  In research undertaken by collaborators in the School of Biosciences, there is mounting evidence of a similar spectral sensitivity in the infrared stimulating investigations into its role in the evolution of various species and its potential applications in bioinspired optics. This project will involve modelling the reflection of visible and infrared light from beetle shells using different computational strategies and participate in related laboratory work.