CXS Scholarships
Project Title:
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Program Team/Group Leader:
- Biological Science Program - Professor Leann Tilley and Dr Alex Maier, LaTrobe University; A/Professor Mike Ryan, LaTrobe University
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Detector and Beamline Development Program - Dr Chris Hall, Monash University; Dr. Wilfred Fullagar, Monash University
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Experimental Methods Program - Professor Keith Nugent, University of Melbourne; A/Professor Andrew Peele, LaTrobe University
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Short Wavelength Laser Source Program - A/Professor Trevor Smith, University of Melbourne; Professor Lap Van Dao, Swinburne University of Technology
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Theory and Modelling Program - Dr Harry Quiney, University of Melbourne
Biochemistry, Cell and Structural Biology
Location: LaTrobe University, Bundoora campus
Supervisor: Professor Leann Tilley and Dr Alex Maier
A/Professor Mike Ryan
Further Information for Applicants:
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Characterisation of a Detector for Coherent X-ray Diffractive Imaging
The detector and beamline development Program of CXS has purchased a sophisticated x-ray detector which it would like to assess for use in coherent x-ray diffractive imaging. The detector and readout system have been built by an international collaboration based at the European high energy physics collaboration CERN. The response of the imaging capabilities of the detector to some of the variable parameters is not yet known. We are seeking to optimise the detector for the specific requirements of the x-ray diffractive imaging and have devised a series of measurements and experiments for this purpose. The project will involve learning how to set-up and take data from the detector followed by taking running the prescribed experiments and measurements. A report will be written on the outcomes.
Location: Monash University, Clayton campus
Supervisor: Dr. Chris Hall
Further Information for Applicants:
We are looking for a motivated student who is familiar with the concepts of x-ray imaging detectors. Some skills in using, and ideally writing software is desirable. An interest in x-ray instrumentation and image analysis is required.
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Construction of a Lab-based Pulsed X-ray Source
We are designing a small pulsed soft x-ray source for testing detectors in the laboratory. Two rather different sources are possible; either or both could be pursued but neither is commercially available so they are to be constructed in-house. Their common feature is a Marx high voltage pulse generator. In one device, the voltage creates a plasma in a capillary containing argon gas.
The plasma pinches under its own influence, leading to population inversion in the ionized gas and eventual self amplified spontaneous emission of soft x-rays in a simple laser arrangement.
In the second device, a normal electron impact anode would be used to generate a characteristic X-ray and bremsstralung spectrum. One objective would be to arrange a patterned cathode as the pulsed source for time-resolved X-ray phase contrast imaging by Talbot interferometry.
Work would involve helping construct and procure the high voltage pulsed electronic circuits. Design and sourcing of the materials for the X-ray generator, and depending on progress the use of gas and vacuum equipment for testing of the apparatus.
Location: Monash University, Clayton campus
Supervisor: Dr. Wilfred Fullagar
Further Information for Applicants:
The project would suit someone with a strong experimental background, interested in engineering and electronics and in fast time-resolution X-ray imaging. It would be a useful introduction to pulsed laboratory X-ray sources.
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Experimental X-Ray Physics
1. Automation of x-ray tomography data analysis.
The La Trobe University micro-tomography facility is capable of producing 3D maps of a wide variety of objects with resolution of better than 1 micron. This project will build on earlier work that allows data to be acquired, converted and analysed automatically. We will take x-ray images for samples such as
aerospace components and use the system to demonstrate that quantitative data such as average pore site or crack volume can be obtained.
2. Microfabrication of x-ray imaging test samples.
The La Trobe University microfabrication facility includes an electron beam lithography system capable of drawing features on a scale of 100 nm. We will use this and other equipment to create micro-scale structures that can be used in future x-ray imaging experiments at our experimental imaging station based at the Advanced Photon Source in Chicago
Location: LaTrobe University, Bundoora campus
University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
Supervisor: A/Professor Andrew Peele, LaTrobe University
Further Information for Applicants:
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Femtosecond Laser Physics
Location: Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus
Supervisor: Professor Lap Van Dao
Further Information for Applicants:
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Materials Investigation for X-ray Holography
It is possible to produce X-ray holograms that can be reconstructed using visible light. There are advantages to this approach, including the possibility of making ultrafast real time X-ray holograms even in laboratory setups. Several optically transparent but x-ray opaque materials show potential for being able to record the extremely high dynamic range of holographic information with sufficient spatial resolution, and to retain the hologram on suitable timescales.
Work would involve preparing the materials, characterising them in several ways (potentially including synchrotron work), and evaluating their response to X-rays. The objective is to produce a device that would allow x-ray - optical holographic reconstructions.
Location: Monash University, Clayton campus
Supervisor: Dr. Wilfred Fullagar
Further Information for Applicants:
The project would suit someone with a strong experimental background and interests in chemistry, combined with a sound conceptual understanding of the physics. A basic grasp of holography and an understanding of the interaction of x-rays and optical light with matter would be useful.
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
“Super-resolution” microscopy
Optical microscopy is typically limited to spatial resolution of several hundreds of nanometres. New “super-resolution” optical methods are being developed that can improve spatial resolution to the tens of nanometres scale. This project aims to develop one such method, structured illumination microscopy, and apply it to polymeric materials and biological samples.
Location: Ultrafast and Microspectroscopy Laboratories, Chemistry, University of Melbourne
Supervisor: A/Prof. Trevor Smith
Further Information for Applicants:
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
Theoretical X-ray and Molecular Physics
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
Supervisor: Dr Harry Quiney
Further Information for Applicants:
Applications may be made by students who have completed at least 3 years of a Relevant BSc degree. Application forms are available from the CXS Scholarships webpage.
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