From "CSIRO research for Austrlalia" (1962) pdf pages 58-59
"The need for fundamental work was recognized from the outset and in 1944 a group equipped with modern physical facilities for the investigation of chemical problems was set up. This group, under the leadership of Dr. A. L. G. Rees, and now known as the Division of Chemical Physics, is concerned primarily with basic researches and these have yielded results of great practical importance. For example, spectroscopic studies led to two new techniques; one for producing light of high spectral purity; and the other for carrying out chemical analysis by means of atomic absorption measurements. Instruments based on these techniques are now manufactured under licence to C.S.I.R.O., by overseas instrument manufacturers and are widely used throughout the world.

Studies in the diffraction of light and of electrons have led to a major advance in physical optics, whilst X-ray methods have been used to determine the structures of several complicated molecules. Electron microscopy, applied to studies of such materials as muscle, plant chloroplasts, protein crystals and wool, has yielded important new biological knowledge.

A knowledge of the solid state is of basic importance in many industrial processes and, as a contribution to this knowledge, investigations have been made of some of the electronic processes involved in diffusion, oxidation, luminescence and the chemical reactions of solids.

In addition to its research programme, the Division of Chemical Physics has stimulated and assisted in the production of scientific instruments in Australia. "