Professor Bray works in the field of theoretical physics known as atomic collision theory. Atomic collisions go on all around us, and even inside us, all the time. All chemical reactions are examples of atomic collisions and all electro-magnetic radiation (such as visible light, X-rays, microwaves etc) is either due to, or influenced by, such collisions. Professor Bray's research goals range from solving pure, fundamental few-body quantum physics problems through to highly focused, but wide-ranging, applications for science and industry. Professor Bray's major research achievement in this field was the development of the Convergent Close-Coupling (CCC) theory. The CCC theory was developed during the early 1990s in response to unresolved problems between existing theory and experiment for the most fundamental collision systems involving electrons, photons, atomic hydrogen and helium. Not only did the CCC theory resolve these problems, but it did so in a unifying single approach. The accuracy of Professor Bray's unifying theory was so great that on several occasions it showed existing experiments to be in error. Professor Bray's achievements formed the basis of a story on the ABC's science program, Quantum, in 1999 (see video). To date astrophysicists, laser physicists, fusion researchers and the lighting industry have extensively used the CCC-calculated data. A major application is the $30 billion fusion facility ITER which aims to demonstrate how the fusion of light atoms can be used to generate electrical power and help meet mankind's future energy needs in an environmentally friendly manner.
Professor Bray's many collaborations bring a steady flow of visitors from all around the world to Western Australia, and maintain a committed, cooperative spirit between the physicists at Curtin, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia to help ensure the next generation of the State's physicists have access to the best of what the Western Australian universities have to offer. His passion for promoting his field of expertise, and sharing his successes with others, has directly contributed to helping raise Australia's profile as a world leader in the field of atomic collision physics.
