In 1950 Titterton accepted Oliphant’s invitation to become foundation professor of nuclear physics, Research School of Physical Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, initially to study atomic nuclei with accelerated particles and later to participate in particle physics, using Oliphant’s planned ‘big machine’. Titterton’s first task was to house and test the first accelerators—a Cockroft-Walton and an electron synchrotron. Arranged through the respective governments, the latter acquisition enabled him to meet Prime Minister (Sir) Robert Menzies, with whom he formed a close relationship.

Titterton and his group co-operated with industry to produce a reliable model for use in aircraft.

Oliphant asked Titterton to make a modulator for the resonant magnetron being developed to produce powerful, pulsed radiation for radar.

(Sir) Mark Oliphant