Physics

Physics research at NCI straddles the boundary between fundamental and applied science. A wide range of researchers are investigating some of the most fundamental phenomena that guide the functioning of our universe, including sub-atomic particle physics and dark matter, while others are applying physical principles to questions of fluid flow, earthquakes, cryptography and more.

Scientists deploy AuScope-enabled geophysical Earth imaging instruments on Adnyamathanha Country as part of the University of Adelaide-led Curnamona Cube geophysical Earth imaging program. Photo: Jarred Lloyd.

29 May 2024

Success for Geophysics Modernisation Project at NCI

Understanding the structure and composition of the Earth beneath our feet is becoming easier thanks to the delivery of a major project from NCI. The 2030 Geophysics Collections project, led by NCI

Astronaut in space with Earth in the background

Research Highlights

23 Mar 2023

To the Moon, Mars and medical lab: NCI supports science driving better human health

Radiation physicists from The University of Wollongong’s Centre For Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP) are using the power of NCI’s Gadi supercomputer to help keep astronauts safe and prepare for the

Three dimensional graphs showing the raised threshold error rate for the new XZZX surface code compared to the old surface code.

Research Highlights

21 Jun 2021

Major step forward for quantum error algorithms

Physics

Technology

Quantum computers are poised to become a powerful tool for scientific and industrial computing in coming years. What was for decades a theoretical concept is finally becoming a physical reality

A view of turbulent air flows inside a gas turbine using Direct Numerical Simulation. Air in shades of blue (for slow) and red (for fast) swirl off from the tip of turbine blades.

Research Highlights

05 Mar 2021

Simulations for Increased Turbine Efficiency

Chemistry

Physics

The turbines and generators that power our planes and electrical grids are a marvel of precision engineering and refinement. For decades people have been building turbines to power their homes

Three dimensional rendering of a flame from Direct Numerical Simulations, showing layers of heat and chemical compounds extending out from the point of ignition.

Research Highlights

05 Mar 2021

Extreme Scale Combustion Simulations

Chemistry

Physics

The ability to create and control fire was one of the earliest human technologies. For more than a million years we’ve been using flames to cook and power our lives. In the last few hundred years

Research Highlights

08 Feb 2021

Qubits and the quantum computing future

Physics

Technology

Challenge Much the same as a ‘bit’ in classic computing, a ‘qubit’ is used to encode information in quantum computing. Manipulating these qubits in a circuit for computation can be achieved using

Professor Stephen Bartlett smiles at the camera with models of molecules around him.

Research Highlights

22 Jun 2020

Keeping quantum computers calculating quickly

Physics

Technology

What better way to design the next generation of computers than with the best of the current generation? The NCI supercomputer ‘Gadi’ is playing that role to help University of Sydney quantum

Abstract image showing yellow strands and hazy shapes on a purple background.

Research Highlights

10 Dec 2019

Fluid flow physics facilitates fiendishly fiery formations

Astronomy

Physics

THE CHALLENGE: How do stars form? In clouds of gas millions of kilometres across, over millions of years, how do stars form? We know that gravity and electromagnetism and chemistry, pulling together

A graph showing vortices forming on the surface of a rotating object.

Case Studies

05 Aug 2019

Physics research at NCI straddles the boundary between fundamental and applied science. A wide range of researchers are investigating some of the most fundamental phenomena that guide the functioning

A scientific diagram showing light passing through electromagnetic fields before being captured and measured.

Research Highlights

10 Apr 2019

Confirming an incredible quantum phenomenon

Physics

In fundamental physics, theory and experiment go hand-in-hand. Without theoretical modelling, it's hard to come up with new ideas and move things forward. Experimental validation of theoretical

1
2
3
4
››
Last »

Physics

Success for Geophysics Modernisation Project at NCI

To the Moon, Mars and medical lab: NCI supports science driving better human health

Major step forward for quantum error algorithms

Simulations for Increased Turbine Efficiency

Extreme Scale Combustion Simulations

Qubits and the quantum computing future

Keeping quantum computers calculating quickly

Fluid flow physics facilitates fiendishly fiery formations

Physics

Confirming an incredible quantum phenomenon

Need support?

Need help from one of our NCI support staff?

Help desk

Site search

Need support?

Need help from one of our NCI support staff?

Help desk