2015 Summer REU

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates

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2015 Summer REU Student Information & Research Abstracts
 
Name: Matthew Barone
Undergraduate Institution: University  of Virginia
Major: Engineering Science and Physics            
REU Advisor: Dr. Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin
 
  
Project Title: Chemical vapor deposition of VS2, a ferromagnetic 2D material 
Abstract:
The initial goal of this study was to synthesize 2D vanadium disulfide via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The CVD technique used in this study was sulfurization of a solid metal precursor. In conjunction, the CVD growth of MoS2 was conducted, as this growth has already been widely studied and thus, has provided insight into the growth process. Based upon Raman spectroscopy, it remains unclear whether VS2 was synthesized or V2O3 formed in the experiment. However, it is clear that, after a single trial, MoS2 was synthesized. However, as would be anticipated for a growth that has not been optimized, crystals appear to be of low quality.

 

Name: Amanda Belding
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University  
Major: Engineering Physics            
REU Advisor: Dr. Chris Hammel
 
Project Title: Membrane project: Direct detection of magnetic resonance
Abstract:
The goal is to create a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) probe that mechanically detects the resonance of different solid samples.  Since quality membranes are noise sensitive, the setup will optimize the new probe and character experimental parameters.  
Name: Paul Christodoulou
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University  
Major: Material Science and Engineering             
REU Advisor: Dr. Peter Anderson
Project Title: Variation of critical resolved shear stress on finite element modeling of nanocrystalline Ni
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to explore the temporal variation of critical resolved shear stress, , within a finite element model (FEM) of nano-crystalline (NC) Ni. The model is based of a previous model, however, was monotonically increased, decreased, or randomly changed after a slip event, in order to view the effect on the stress/strain behavior simulated, and predict if the trends indicated overall strain hardening, softening, or both.
 
Name: Michael Dominguez
Undergraduate Institution: University of Iowa 
Major: Engineering Physics     
REU Advisor: Dr. Roberto Myers

 

Project Title: Nernst-Ettinghausen effect measurements of nickel in a coil geometry

Abstract:
The Nernst effect can be used to generate an electric field from a heat gradient and magnetization. Bismuth has an unusually high Nernst coefficient from its spin-orbit coupling and so by taking advantage of the radial geometry of a coil, we have optimized the voltage produced by Nernst effect from Bismuth. This has applications with efficiently capturing voltage from residual heat from pipes, to quickly testing Nernst properties in selected materials. 
 
 
Name: Cooper Gates
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University  
Major: Chemistry           
REU Advisor: Dr. Pat Woodward

 

Project Title: In pursuit of a new perovskite-type phase resonance

Abstract:The ultimate goal of this research was to create and investigate the properties of a substituted Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite phase, K2RbMn2Cl7. The pure rubidium and potassium forms of this material have already been synthesized and documented. The substituted compound should have distortions in its crystal structure that may enable it to respond in unusual ways to external electric and/or magnetic fields. Most of the pure Ruddlesden-Popper forms are antiferromagnetic. 
 
Name: Kimberly Holmes
Undergraduate Institution: Muskingum University
Major: Chemistry/Business Management, Marketing          
REU Advisor: Dr. David McComb
Project Title: Nano-indentation: Composition of new bone versus old bone
 
Abstract:
The growing population is beginning to live longer. However, age and tooth loss are directly correlated. As the population begins to loose teeth, the most beneficial solution is the dental implant. This implant is directly drilled into the bone and, eventually, fusses with the bone. In order to improve the success rate of these dental implants, the various properties of the bone must be identified. Through previous testing, it is found that the old bone is more dense and harder than the new bone. It is hypothesized that the difference in hardness is due to the calcium and phosphorus levels in the bone. Using TEM and EDS technology, the chemical composition of the new bone and old bone.
Name: Nelson Moreno
Undergraduate Institution: University of California
Major: Physics and Japanese            
REU Advisor: Dr. Rolando Valdés Aguilar
Project Title: Electrical characterization of graphene using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (TTDS)
 
Abstract:
Graphene is a 2D material of interest made up of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice due to its electronic properties.  Typical methods of characterization require adding contacts on graphene which can alter the properties and even be destructive.  However, Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (TTDS) can be used to determine the conductivity, non-destructively, by measuring the transmission spectra.  We determine the Fermi energy and mobility of high quality graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition.  
 
Name: Merna Philip
Undergraduate Institution: Columbus State Community College
Major: Undeclared Associate of Science       
REU Advisor: Dr. Josh Goldberger
 
 
 
Project Title: Exfoliation of single-layer and multilayer GeH nanosheets
Abstract:

Graphene in single-atom thick sheets is used in studying electrons transferring because of its superconductivity and high mobility. Graphene does not have band gap which can help in switch ON/OFF ratio in transistors when electrons move through its material. GeH and NaSn2As2 are new materials that have been studied in order to know their physical probabilities, and how they can make the heat and the electrons transfer through their materials. The bulk material of GeH is used in building transistors because it has an indirect band gap. GeH and NaSn2As2 which have van der Waals interactions among their bounds are crystal material can be exfoliated to single layer and multilayers nanosheets of layers by using PDMs method of exfoliation. Mechanically exfoliation GeH and NaSn2As2 crystal materials in single layers or few multilayers of nanosheets can give clean, flate, and high-quality flakes. Therefore, after exfoliation to nanosheets layers, we put them on Si/SiO2 to distinguish between single layers and multilayers under the electronic microscope. Exfoliation of GeH to single layer or multilayer nanosheets helps in studying the directed band gap, electrons mobilities, vibration models, and fabrication. NaSn2As2 can also be exfoliated to single layers or few multilayers nanosheets which can help in studying their physical probabilities and the pattern chemical on their surface.

 
Name: Amy Rice
Undergraduate Institution: Columbus State Community College
Major: Biology            
REU Advisor: Dr. Jessica Winter
 
 
Project Title: Optimization of quantum dots shell growth for DNA embedding
Abstract:

Here we are interest in a photo-switchable quantum dot system that employs photosensitive DNA and gold nanoparticles to switch between light and dark states via forster resonance energy transfer (FRET).  To improve the application of this concept, the specific process for binding DNA to QDs is being investigated.  Rather than attach the DNA to the QD surface, this concept deals with embedding the DNA into the QD ligand during shell growth in order to improve stability and conjugation ratios.  This project describes an optimized procedure for quantum dot shell growth that was developed using methodology based on the work of Zhengtao et. all, 20125.1 It was found that after increasing MPA and DNA concentrations to 4 times the original amount, the fluorescence of the resulting samples was indicative of a more stable particle, however further study should be done to achieve reproducibility for this concept.

 

 

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