Physics

Project

Fluorescence spectroscopy is an effective tool to determine chemistry of substances without tedious sample preparation. This project investigates the fluorescence of various micro contaminants in our drinking and waste water. The student will earn hands on experience with fluorescence spectrometers and the amazing insights of how and why molecules interact with light. The project is guided by Alex Risos and you will be working within the incredible interdisciplinary Photon Factory at the school of chemistry!

Project

Life is abundant and evolved in many shapes. Our smallest life forms are single cell organisms living everywhere among us. Some are useful some are harmful for health. For rapid identification, we want to understand the different shapes of life of most common single cell life forms in our drinking water. This project investigates the vast variety of single cell life by imaging and classification for automated identification. The student will learn the professional use of microscopy and incredible depth perception of microorganism life. The project is guided by Alex Risos and you will be working within the astonishing interdisciplinary Photon Factory at the school of chemistry!

Project

At the deep UV, many substances exhibit fluorescence which we can exploit to determine the chemistry of liquids and solids. Fluorescence spectroscopy is much more efficient compared to Raman or FTIR spectroscopy, and thus the student will investigate the fluorescence cross section of typical waterborne contaminants and determine its real world limit of detection. Using professional, state of the art equipment, the student will learn how light interacts with molecules and how to accurately conduct chemical experiments. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the school of chemistry!

Project

Nanowires and other nanoscale objects are known to melt below their bulk melting temperature. In nanowires. it has been observed that the solid will melt via two different modes, radially (with the solid melting from the outside inwards) and via an instability that breaks the solid apart. In longer nanowires, the instability mechanism is the dominant mode that causes the nanowire to melt. Interestingly, the time and temperature at which the instability initiates causing the nanowire to melt can vary by a small, but appreciable amount. This suggests there are nonequilibrium effects that dictate how the solid behaves as it approaches its melting temperature.

The project will be to investigate this phenomena. The aim is to analyse some already existing data and look at building some simple models that describe the observations. Students are welcome to learn how to use molecular dynamics software to run their own simulations too.

Ideal student: Some programming ability in MATLAB or python. Knowledge of statistical physics preferred, but not essential.

Project

An optical frequency comb is an ultra-precise spectroscopic ruler that allows the measurement of optical frequencies with unprecedented levels of accuracy. These combs are now used in a myriad of applications ranging from extra-solar planet detection to optical telecommunications. Their discovery was awarded a Nobel prize in 2005. Optical microresonators are tiny optical cavities that can trap light for extended periods of time allowing for highly efficient nonlinear interactions. New research has shown that under the correct conditions optical microresonators can produce high-quality frequency combs. This opens up the possibility of new chip-scale comb devices. The Auckland group has considerable experience in both the theory and experimental investigation of microresonator frequency combs. The successful candidate will work with our group on topics based around the theory, fabrication, and experimental implementation of new microresonator based comb designs.

Project

Optical microresonators are tiny optical cavities that can trap light for extended periods of time allowing for highly efficient nonlinear interactions. Recent work, by our group, has shown that under the right conditions these devices can efficiently generate light at new wavelengths far from the original pump frequency. So far we have been able to demonstrate over an octave of narrowband tunability in these devices, with the output light tunable in wavelength from 1095 to 2539 nm. We now wish to push the performance of these devices even further and generate signals in the spectroscopically important ‘molecular fingerprint’ region around 3 um. The successful candidate will work with our group on the experimental and theoretical realisation of these exciting new devices.

Project

Ultrasound (acoustic) imaging is a sensitive way to probe the human body. We are currently developing a new type of ultrasound imaging to detect movement in human tissue with unprecedented sensitivity. Depending on the interests of the student, this summer project can include:

(i) experiments: gathering acoustic data in the laboratory using a medical ultrasound machine,
(ii) computational problems: working with the acoustic data to unearth ‘hidden’ information and make images,
(iii) numerical modeling of acoustic propagation in human tissue,

or a combination of the above.

Ideal student: Experience in programming in matlab or python would be ideal, but is not a requirement. Feel free to get in touch to discuss further!

Project

We are looking for a motivated summer student to work on a Marsden-funded biomedical imaging project. Existing imaging techniques for diagnosing bone disorders require
bulky, expensive systems or ionising radiation, whereas in this project we are developing altogether new diagnostics for bone using only light and sound waves.

The student will focus on developing and testing an experimental platform for spectroscopic photoacoustic measurements to be used with our bone imaging system. This will involve synchronising our tunable pulsed laser with a research grade ultrasound system and automating a scan through a range of wavelengths. Successful completion of the experimental platform will enable the student to make spectroscopic measurements of bovine bones ex vivo.

Requirements: Basic programming skills and an interest in experimental work are required, but support will be given in these areas. You will develop develop skills ultrasonics and photoacoustics.

Project

This project will be to develop elements of the mission concept of operations and simulation scenario for a funded space satellite mission.

The satellite mission under design will demonstrate the Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic electric propulsion thruster under development at the Robinson Research Institute.

This project will require the student to adapt an existing simulation which comprises some of the elements of the mission, such as orbit choice, satellite form factor, thruster performance and characteristics. The student will develop the simulation along one or more lines of enquiry. This could include, for example, finding an optimal starting orbit for the satellite and attitude policy to maximise orbit change, while at the same time ensuring that communication access opportunities are maintained, battery state of charge remains above thresholds, thermal performance remains with tolerances.

The project will require the student to become familiar with the STK software package. No experience with this package is required, however Python coding skills might be an advantage. Other preferred skills include:

• Basic understanding of orbit dynamics
• Basic understanding of satellite mission concepts

This project might involve the student analysing the outcomes of two field trips to the Concurrent Design Facility (UNSW-C) during 2022 and applying these results to their mission scenario simulations.

This project will be run in parallel with Satellite Mission Design – B and Satellite Mission Design – C. There are several aspects of this mission which require analysis and development. Interaction between other students working on the same mission is expected and encouraged.

Project

This project will be to develop elements of the mission concept of operations and simulation scenario for a funded space satellite mission.

The satellite mission under design will demonstrate the Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic electric propulsion thruster under development at the Robinson Research Institute.

This project will require the student to adapt an existing simulation which comprises some of the elements of the mission, such as orbit choice, satellite form factor, thruster performance and characteristics. The student will develop the simulation along one or more lines of enquiry. This could include, for example, finding an optimal starting orbit for the satellite and attitude policy to maximise orbit change, while at the same time ensuring that communication access opportunities are maintained, battery state of charge remains above thresholds, thermal performance remains with tolerances.

The project will require the student to become familiar with the STK software package. No experience with this package is required, however Python coding skills might be an advantage. Other preferred skills include:

• Basic understanding of orbit dynamics
• Basic understanding of satellite mission concepts

This project might involve the student analysing the outcomes of two field trips to the Concurrent Design Facility (UNSW-C) during 2022 and applying these results to their mission scenario simulations.

This project will be run in parallel with Satellite Mission Design – A and Satellite Mission Design – C. There are several aspects of this mission which require analysis and development. Interaction between other students working on the same mission is expected and encouraged.

Project

This project will be to develop elements of the mission concept of operations and simulation scenario for a funded space satellite mission.

The satellite mission under design will demonstrate the Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic electric propulsion thruster under development at the Robinson Research Institute.

This project will require the student to adapt an existing simulation which comprises some of the elements of the mission, such as orbit choice, satellite form factor, thruster performance and characteristics. The student will develop the simulation along one or more lines of enquiry. This could include, for example, finding an optimal starting orbit for the satellite and attitude policy to maximise orbit change, while at the same time ensuring that communication access opportunities are maintained, battery state of charge remains above thresholds, thermal performance remains with tolerances.

The project will require the student to become familiar with the STK software package. No experience with this package is required, however Python coding skills might be an advantage. Other preferred skills include:

• Basic understanding of orbit dynamics
• Basic understanding of satellite mission concepts

This project might involve the student analysing the outcomes of two field trips to the Concurrent Design Facility (UNSW-C) during 2022 and applying these results to their mission scenario simulations.

This project will be run in parallel with Satellite Mission Design – A and Satellite Mission Design – B. There are several aspects of this mission which require analysis and development. Interaction between other students working on the same mission is expected and encouraged.

Project

This project will involve creating and testing short experimental inquiry activities for the PHYSICS 102 tutorials. It will also involve a review of current research in physics education around lab work.

Ideal student: This project would be ideal for a student considering a future career in teaching (secondary or tertiary).

Project

Astronomy is an exciting subject but making assignments that are possible for 1st year students to undertake and be interesting are difficult to put together. In this project the successful applicant will create a range of new assignments for ASTRO100 under guidance of Jan Eldridge.

We will use older historical examples of assignments/projects but update them with the latest astronomical data and results. With the aim of making assignments that are informative, inspiring and educational.

Ideal student: The project will suit a person who has an interest in pursuing a career in education and an interest in astronomy.

Project

When molecules are excited with a high energetic electromagnetic wave, they can undergo electronic excitation and emit wonderful light by the process called fluorescence. This signal is often red shifted by a few nm from our UV-C excitation wavelength. This wavelength poses a unique opportunity to develop an optimised spectrometer for highly accurate identification of contaminants in waters. The student will learn hands on experience with optics, lasers to detect spectral radiation using CCD detectors and optical gratings. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

Project

Holography is known for its unique ability to record and reconstruct a scene based on its volumetric properties. Traditionally, this is done using monochromatic light but a new approach uses a continuum of light. This continuum of light, aka white laser light, can be used to reconstruct the 3D scene without knowing its spatial depth; blue, green and red light diffract differently on objects and as such, the object can be reconstructed knowing the colour of the light instead of its (often unknown) distance in space. This project is suited for a student of theoretical and experiential nature. You will learn to conduct complex simulations and/or hands on experience using white laser light. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

Note: This is a theoretical work and involves to learn heaps about digital holography! :)

Project

Using a cascaded set of chirped mirrors, ultrafast laser pulses and nonlinear crystals, the project investigates experimentally and/or theoretically the possibility of generating ultrafast self-compressed chi3 supercontinuum pulses for advanced light matter interaction phenomena. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

Project

Time of light is a well-known method to determine distance using lasers. Classical holography uses the backscattered speckle pattern to reconstruct the scenery. A combination with time of flight measuring technique allows real time imaging of 3D scenes. This is conventionally an apex territory for LIDAR but much simpler, lighter, compact, and more reliable as well as more cost efficient. Importantly, its gives an instantiations response from the scene as a whole, without LIDAR like scanning delay. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

Project

Reconstructing 3D scenes from recorded holograms is a well applied technique but suffers from true precision volumetric imaging in real time. Using latest Tensor core accelerated hardware, we will enable true volumetric imaging in real time using NVidia’s hardware platforms. The opportunity of applying and further developing efficient phase unwrapping enables the student to earn hands on experience in translating algebraic syntax to computer code using python or C++. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

Project

Conventionally, holography uses diffraction pattern along one propagation axis. Using multiple axis*, we can increase spatial resolution and increase confidence of successful detection using our neural nets. The student will learn how to reconstruct holograms to 3D volumetric images using diffraction theory. The experiments will be carried out in conjunction with theoretical predictions. Your guide will be Alex Risos within the remarkable Photon Factory at the department of physics!

*One beam along Z (X, Y; Z) and another beam along X (Y, Z; X) to have 2x 3D datasets to be merged via artificial intelligence.

Project

Experimental projects are available to study microscale liquid dynamics using high-speed photography (producing cool slow-motion videos). We are particularly interested in drop impact experiments, in which drops collide with solid surfaces. Fluids of interest include partially dried dairy products, and ferrofluids which produce ‘spiky’ magnetic instabilities. Surfaces may be patterned in order to control the spreading, splashing and rebounding of the drops. A project could also focus on development of image analysis techniques.

Requirements and benefits: Projects are suitable for students from any quantitative science / engineering background, and can be aligned with industrial (real-world) applications. Skills developed will include experimental methods for materials science, and understanding of fluid dynamics.

Lab website: https://fluidics.physics.auckland.ac.nz/

Project

The project(s) will develop and use computational analysis methods and/or theoretical models to study Janus spheres or active matter. Asymmetric Janus spheres consist of two hemispheres with distinct properties. Computational methods will be used to study the relative orientation of Janus microspheres within small clusters, and/or for image analysis of equivalent experiments. Active matter involves collections of interacting, moving particles such as swarms and flocks. Here, techniques used in active matter will be extended to large collections of Janus spheres. These projects are especially suitable for students with some computational / numerical experience.

Lab website: https://fluidics.physics.auckland.ac.nz/

Project

Sensing technologies with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity are essential to better understand and harness the world around us. Enter Terahertz (THz) radiation – the final frontier of the electromagnetic spectrum. Located between microwave and infrared frequencies, THz radiation provides significant opportunities for advanced sensors.

The overall aim of this project is to demonstrate the detection of thin films using THz microresonators – sensitive devices that can confine THz radiation with exquisitely low losses. The project is experimental; you will learn how to work in a cleanroom environment, fabricate ultra-high quality THz microresonators and deposit thin flims on the THz microresonators. After the successful deposition, you will measure the microresonators response to the thin films using a state-of-the-art THz spectrometer. No previous knowledge in THz radiation or microresonators is required. If you are interested or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Dominik Vogt.

Project

In this project, the student will collect and analyse data generated with an OCT system for application in horticulture. Based on the OCT images (3D optical biopsies), the student will develop algorithms and methods to extract key parameters of interest of samples’ morphology, such as cell counting and cell volume.
Hence, the student completing this project will learn about OCT technique, develop skills with optics, data acquisition, image analysis and data visualization.
The Lab work will be completed in the biophotonics laboratory of the physics department (City campus). Previous experience in an optics laboratory would be great but is not necessary.

Project

This project is based on polarisation sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), an interferometric technique that allows high resolution in vivo imaging and identification of the sample optical axis. The student will learn about the technique of OCT and will adjust an existing OCT system to be polarisation sensitive. They will characterize the system and test it on a few samples. The student will develop skills with optics and learn about optical coherence tomography.
The Lab work will be completed in the biophotonics laboratory of the physics department (City campus).
Ideal student: Previous experience in an optics laboratory would be great but not necessary.

Project

This project is based on polarisation sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and vibrational spectroscopy. PS-OCT provides structural information while spectroscopy provides information about the molecular content. Combining both systems to coregister the information will allow for better understanding of the sample. We will test the probe on soft tissues and fruits. The students will be responsible for design and testing probes that allow both signal to be detected from the same location on the sample. The Lab work will be completed in the biophotonics laboratory of the physics department (City campus).

Ideal student: Previous experience in an optics laboratory would be great but not necessary.

Project

This is a project in theoretical quantum optics, with particular emphasis on cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) – the interaction of atoms with quantised light fields inside optical resonators. Our specific interest is in the controlled preparation of uniquely quantum-mechanical states of both atoms and light fields. Such states are of interest from a fundamental point of view as well as being of basic importance in the topical fields of quantum information processing (e.g., quantum communication and computing) and many-body quantum physics. The project will involve a combination of analytical and numerical calculations using simple models and established techniques of theoretical quantum optics.