New frontiers in statistical mechanics [ 2009-01-01 - 2009-07-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Em/Prof Rodney Baxter (Chief Investigator) ,  Vladimir Bazhanov (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Helen Au-Yang (Partner Investigator) ,  Dr Jacques Perk (Linkage International Fellow - Overseas) ,  Prof Barry McCoy (Overseas Investigator)
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Brief description New frontiers in statistical mechanics. The chiral Potts model has been introduced in 1981 as a model for commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a layer of atoms or molecules adsorbed to a solid surface. If the adsorbed atoms all fit to holes between the surface atoms, the added layer is frozen, commensurate with the surface. If the added atoms are unable to fit holes, the added layer is no longer commensurate with the surface and could be in a floating state. A deeper understanding of this and similar phenomena in layered systems has nanotechnological implications. This may affect the design of new small electronic devices or could apply to small biological systems and the development of new medicines. The project will surely lead to new applicable mathematics.

Funding Amount $82,090

Funding Scheme Linkage - International

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