2025 Summer Projects

The SpIRIT nanosatellite - Australia's first space telescope

Supervisor: Michele Trenti

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 was launched in December 2023 and it is currently operating in orbit acquiring scientific data." 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 modeling and optimisation of science operations of the satellite to analysis and interpretation of scientific data and/or telemetered spacecraft data received from SpIRIT.

Sharpening tests of cosmic birefringence

Supervisor: Christian Reichardt

The journey of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons over cosmological distances is affected by different physical processes. One of the interesting hypothetical ones is cosmic birefringence; i.e. the in-vacuo rotation of the polarization plane of CMB photons as they travel through cosmos. If such a rotation is detected, we can extract exciting information about the physical conditions of the early universe and the cosmological medium. The project will study the potential impact of method improvements on a search for cosmic birefringence in CMB polarisation  data from the South Pole Telescope and BICEP Array. 

Powering Mars with Geothermal Energy

Supervisor: Rachel Webster

This research project will further develop a simple model of the heat resource underground on Mars, and estimate whether this resource can be harnessed to power a human colony on Mars. This will involve delving into the latest NASA experiments measuring heat flow on the Red Planet, understanding other opportunities such as harnessing the (weaker) solar energy, and exploring the technology that would be required to make this idea a reality.

Quantitative imaging of three-dimensional genome architecture in a living cell

Supervisor: Elizabeth Hinde

Live cell nucleus architecture has emerged as a key player in DNA target search and maintenance of genome integrity. In recent work we have developed a series of fluorescence microscopy methods to track the movement of molecules around the complex DNA networks within the nuclei of live cells. Based on fluorescence lifetime and fluctuation spectroscopy, this technology has the spatial and temporal resolution to map the impact genome organisation has on nuclear traffic.

From using these methods, we have discovered that DNA networks rearrange to genome structures that facilitate DNA repair and transcription factor recruitment to target DNA sites. The aim of this biophysical project is to investigate how genome organisation serves as 'road map' for DNA-binding proteins to navigate the nucleus and maintain genome function.

High nuclear spin donors in isotopically enriched silicon

Supervisor: David Jamieson

This project will investigate some of the processes being developed in ECMP to construct ordered arrays of donor atoms in silicon that has been depleted in the 29-silicon isotope with nuclear spin 1/2 that would otherwise provide a spin bath that decoheres quantum states programmed into the donor spin qubit.

Vortex Dynamics in Dipolar Quantum Superfluids

Supervisor: Andy Martin

The great red spot of Jupiter is an inspiring island of order amidst chaos! The relative structure of this red whirlpool contrasts starkly with the turbulent background of irregularly seething gas in which the red spot is embedded. A similar phenomena occurs in quantum superfluids. Specifically, previous theoretical and experimental work has shown that the relaxation dynamics of a random distribution of quantum vortices, in a quasi-two-dimensional superfluid Bose-Einstein condensate, can self-organise into two macroscopic coherent ‘Onsager vortex’ clusters. These theoretical studies and experimental observations have focused on systems where it is appropriate to model the individual vortices as point-like objects with circular symmetry. However, experimentally it is possible to study systems (quasi-two-dimensional dipolar superfluid Bose-Einstein condensates) where this assumption breaks down. For such systems the vortices have an elliptic structure. In this project the fundamental question we will address is can Onsager vortex structures emerge from the relaxation dynamics of a random distribution of elliptic quantum vortices, in a quasi-two-dimensional dipolar superfluid Bose-Einstein condensate?

Shedding light on metasurfaces

Supervisor : Ann Roberts

Metasurfaces, and nanostructured materials more generally, exhibit fascinating light-matter interactions and can be used to produce ultracompact devices with functionality that cannot be achieved with conventional optical components. These devices take advantage of the excitation of resonances associated with arrangements of nanostructures that can be tuned by changing the geometry or optical properties of the relevant materials. This primarily experimental project will involve investigating ultrathin devices using a custom-built optical system to measure their reflectance spectra when illuminated with light in different polarization states and spatial modes. The student will be able to work on putting together the optical components, as well as collecting and analysing data. There will also be the opportunity to undertake simulations using custom and commercial software and compare experimental results with theory.

The search for Radiative Auger decay, tests of QED and Axions

Supervisor: Chris Chantler

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.

Supervision:  Josh Combes

Keywords for both projects: Theoretical Physics, Quantum information, Quantum Physics

Suggested background: Linear Algebra, Quantum Theory

Project 1: 

What’s Quantum About the Quantum Harmonic Oscillator?

Rob Spekkens' "toy model" is a sandbox version of quantum theory for two-level systems. It’s based on simple classical rules with one key twist: you can never know everything about the system. This limited knowledge reproduces effects like superposition, interference, and entanglement. 

The model suggests that quantum strangeness arises from limits on what we can know rather than particles breaking logic. Effects captured by the model are considered "classical," while phenomena missing from it are considered deeply quantum. The model has been highly influential in the foundations (philosophy) of quantum physics. 

In this project, we will extend this idea to build a toy model of the quantum harmonic oscillator, one of the most fundamental systems in quantum theory.

Project 2: 

Directly Measuring Quantum Amplitudes: Can We Measure the Unmeasurable?

In quantum mechanics, we can only measure probabilities, not the underlying amplitudes of quantum states. That is, when we measure a quantum state, e.g. |ψ⟩ = c₀|0⟩ + c₁|1⟩, we observe the probabilities |cₖ|², not the complex numbers cₖ themselves.

Recently, researchers have suggested it might be possible to directly access these complex amplitudes using clever measurement schemes.

In this project, we will explore what would happen if we could directly measure a quantum amplitude. What physical laws would break? We may find that such measurements would allow faster-than-light communication and are therefore likely impossible within our current understanding of physics.

Cultural Astronomy & Dark Sky Studies

Supervsior: Duane Hamacher

We offer open-topic projects on cultural and Indigenous astronomy, space ethics, space futurism, dark sky studies, geomythology, and astrosociology. Example projects may include developing code for cultural astronomy research, researching the astronomical knowledge and traditions of specific cultures across the globe, examining astronomical and geological events recorded in oral tradition, studying the impacts of human activities in space, and studying the effects of light pollution on our view of the skies.

Magnetic Field Cancellation for Electron Gun Operation

Supervisors: Adam Steinberg, Matteo Volpi

X-band accelerators achieve much higher accelerating gradients than conventional radiofrequency technologies, offering a promising path toward compact future colliders and advanced medical accelerator systems. The new X-band Laboratory for Accelerators and Beams (X-LAB), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere is now operational in the basement of the David Caro Building.

A critical component of the X-LAB beamline is the electron gun, in which a laser illuminates a photocathode to generate electron bunches that are then focused and accelerated. Because the beam initially has very low energy, even weak magnetic fields such as the Earth’s ambient field can deflect it significantly. To counter this, a simple current-carrying wire arrangement produces an opposing field that effectively cancels the Earth's magnetic field near the electron gun.

This project will investigate the effectiveness of the magnetic-field cancellation system for the X-LAB electron gun. Depending on the student’s interests, the work may involve detailed electromagnetic simulations of cancellation coil geometries, or experimental mapping of residual magnetic fields using precision sensors and low-cost data-acquisition hardware.

Ideal for students interested in electromagnetism, accelerator physics, or experimental instrumentation. Basic coding or data-analysis skills (Python or MATLAB) are helpful but not essential.

Searching for Dark Mater with an Underground Experiment

Supervisor: Elisabetta Barberio and Phillip Urquijo

Decades of astrophysical and cosmological observations have confirmed the presence of dark matter, constituting a significant 85% of the Universe's matter. Yet, the elusive nature of dark matter continues to challenge our current understanding of physics. There is  ongoing global efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic substance.

One such exciting project is the SABRE South experiment. Being deployed 1km underground at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory in regional Victoria, SABRE South  promises to either confirm or refute the only existing claim of a direct detection signal consistent with galactic dark matter. It will do this by deploying the same target material deep underground with extremely low background contamination. Its southern hemisphere location will aid in disentangling seasonal systematic effects in the event of a positive observation.

The experiment expects construction to be completed in 2025, making now a very active time in terms of experimental and computational work towards first commissioning. This project would give a student the chance to work in either area in a way that will deliver near-term tangible impact on Australia's largest dark matter experiment.

Low-Cost Sensor Platform for Diagnosing Pneumonia

Supervisor: Roger Rassool

Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of childhood mortality in low- and middle-income countries, where access to diagnostic equipment is limited. This project aims to develop a low-cost sensor platform capable of detecting and analysing respiratory patterns to assist in the early diagnosis of pneumonia.

Students will engage in hands-on instrumentation development, including sensor interfacing, real-time data acquisition, digital signal processing, and machine-learning–based analysis. The project blends fundamental physics, electronics, and computation, offering a chance to apply experimental and analytical techniques to a problem of profound global significance. This project would suit students interested in experimental physics, medical technology, and data-driven instrumentation.