2017 Summer REU

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates

2017 Summer REU Student Information & Research Abstracts

Name: Ryan Bailey-Crandell

Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University

Major: Physics

REU Advisor: Roland Kawakami

Project Title: Characterizing charge and spin transport in graphene: From instrumentation to measurement

Abstract:

Spintronics aims to se the spin degree of freedom of electrons for logic operation and information storage. Recently, it has been proposed that high speed, low power consumption logic operations, as well as reconfigurable logic devices can be achieved with spintronics. To achieve the goals, it is required to develop a device that can reliably generate, transport, and detect spin. Graphene, a single atomic layer of graphite carbon atoms, is one of the most promising materials for spintronic devices. Graphene has shown promising qualifications for spin transport due to its gate-tunable electronic properties, long spin lifetime and spin diffusion length at room temperature. However, the lack of spin orbit coupling makes it hard to generate and detect spin within graphene, which is a hindrance for certain avenues of application. To achieve spin logic with graphene, it is necessary to develop a method to overcome this issue. We focus on generating spin orbit coupling in graphene, as this would allow control of spin signals in a graphene transport.

Name: Forrest Elliot

Undergraduate Institution: Mercer University

Major: Electrical Engineering

REU Advisor: Jos Heremans

Project Title: Investigating thermoelectric properties of BiSb

Abstract:

The purpose if this investigation is to establish the processes necessary to synthesize and characterize BiSb alloys to be used as a thermoelectric material. BiSb has been investigated in the past for this purpose, but recent theoretical studies have indicated that a significantly higher Thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) can be found in BiSb alloys with new fabrication techniques. BiSb samples are synthesized from Bi2O3 and Sb2O3 powders. The sample is then thermoelectrically measured in a cryostat across the temperature range of 77K-400K. The data is then extensively analyzed in a LabView routine written by Professor Heremans.

Name: Taylor Herrera

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico Highlands University

Major: Computer Science

REU Advisors: Chris Hammel and Denis Pelekhov

Project Title: Magnetic field calculations of a micro-magnetic particle for the localized ferromagnetic resonance

Abstract:

We calculate magnetic fields emanating from a point dipole and create their maps in a 3-dimensional space. When a DC current flows through a bilayer system of ferromagnetic (FM) and normal metal (NM), the spin-orbit interaction on its interface causes the spin torque exerted on the FM. Above the certain threshold current, it can induce an auto-oscillation of a coherent magnetization precession, the same phenomenon observed in ferromagnetic resonance by applying a microwave field. We are interested in observing the auto-oscillation of FMR modes localized by a dipolar field generated from a micron-sized magnetic particle in the bilayer films consisting of the permalloy(Py, FM) and platinum(Pt, NM). In this project, the calculation of the magnetic field from a magnetic particle is essential for analyzing the data. Here we make a program that calculates a point dipole field and constructs its 3D map using a Python, assuming that our magnetic particle in a spherical shape has the same field from a point dipole with the same magnetic moment. The program is capable of imaging the magnitude and direction of the field in our assigned 3D space and the dipole in our calculation can be located at any position that we want.

Name: Jimmy Kuznar

Undergraduate Institution: Columbus State Community College

Major: Chemical Engineering

REU Advisor: David McComb

Project Title: Digital image analysis of micro/nanostructures within dentin

Abstract:

There are three main layers to teeth. Enamel is the outermost layer followed by dentin and pulp. Dentin is produced by odontoblasts [1] which are cells located in the pulp of the tooth. Dentin is a composite material that mainly contains inorganic hydroxyapatite crystals (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)) and organic collagen matrix proteins [1]. Dentin contains microtubular structures that are present throughout at varying quantities and diameters [2]. Some of these microtubules have channel like structures that branch out from the tubules through the peritubular dentin and in some cases to other microtubules. These channel-like structures are referred to as ‘nanotubules’. This research seeks to better visualize the dentin tubules and peritubular dentin. How these micro and nano tubule features are positioned relative to each other can potentially provide significant insight into the diffusion of ionic species throughout the intertubular dentin in three-dimensional (3D) space.

Name: Sindy Lauricella

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico Highlands University

Major: Environmental Geology

REU Advisor: Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin

Project Title: Magnetic characterization of solvent resistance in vanadium tetracyanoethylene (V[TCNE]₂)

Abstract:

Organic-based magnetic materials have beneficial applications such as electronic materials, room temperature magnetic ordering, and mechanical flexibility. The organic-based magnet we will be focusing on throughout this research is Vanadium tetracyanoethylene V[TCNE]x~2, a semiconducting ferrimagnet that displays room temperature magnetic ordering. It is considered a metal organic hybrid system because it’s combining an organic ligand with a metal atom. There are few projects that focus on different ways to analyze the limits of manipulating V[TCNE] one is replacing TCNE ligand with new ligands that are designed then adding dichloromethane to test weather the new ligands can make air-stable ferrimagnets. Another approach is adding solvents to metals and identify if there are any magnetic changes in the structure of V[TCNE]. This research will consist of synthesizing thin films of V[TCNE] with V(CO)6 and TCNE via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) in a glass furnace. The grown CVD films decompose in air that result in loss of magnetic properties, which is why the process is done in an argon glove box. Once completed our V[TCNE] we will use the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) that helps identify the global magnetic ordering of the sample by measuring magnetization. SQUID will be used before adding a dichloromethane solvent to record the control measure of V[TCNE] and after the solvent is added. We are adding dichloromethane solvent to determine weather or not our V[TCNE] films are resistant to the solvent and see if there are changes in the magnetic field and in the microscopic scale. Electronic paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) will be used to identify what’s inside the material and see how much change has occurred in the signatures. Signatures are peaks shown in the data that we will later review to identify if the material continues to have V[TCNE] after adding the dichloromethane solvent.

Name: Andrew Lininger

Undergraduate Institution: University of Akron

Major: Physics

REU Advisor: Jay Gupta

Project Title: Thin-film Cu2O growth and surface structure on Cu(100): An STM study

Abstract:

The growth and surface structure of thin-film Cu2O on a crystalline Cu (100) surface has been studied through low temperature ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM). Two distinct regions are observed on the surface: adlayer terraces, exhibiting characteristic step edges of 4Å, and flat patches with a distinctive striped pattern. The adlayer is identified as oxidation of the Cu (100) surface through atomic resolution of the ‘ladder’ structure (missing-row reconstruction), with rectangular depressions on 3.7Å. The surface is observed under cold in situ dosing of CO2. The flat striped patches are associated with the Cu2O (111) surface, identified by two distinct patterns of protrusions: a (1×1) periodicity hexagonal lattice with spacing 3.1Å and an atomically resolved (√3x√3)R30° periodicity lattice with spacing of 5.2Å. The first structure is attributed to individual copper ions on the stoichiometric ideal (111) surface and the second to oxygen vacancies and the nearest-neighbor Cu atoms on the same surface. This demonstrates that similar structures occur on monolayer Cu2O (111) as on the bulk Cu2O (111) surface.

Name: Omar Mansour

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University

Major: Physics and Electrical Engineering

REU Advisor: Nandini Trivedi

Project Title: Quantum spin liquids

Abstract:

One of the topics examined this summer was quantum spin liquids. In low temperature systems, there are two competing effects that influence magnetic order: classical ordering and quantum fluctuations. In antiferromagnetic materials, this “battle” between quantum and classical effects is usually won by antiferromagnetic interactions, resulting in a Néel ordered state at low temperatures. However, in certain materials, the quantum paramagnetic phase persists all the way to zero temperature, forming an exotic state of matter called a quantum spin liquid (QSL).

Name: Sanjana Pappu

Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas, Austin

Major: Chemical Engineering

REU Advisor: Wolfgang Windl

Project Title: Electronic structure of in-plane functionalized graphane analog interface

Abstract:

As research on 2D materials and functionalization of 2D crystals continues, we focus on the effects full functionalization of -H and -CH₃ ligands have on a buckled germanene backbone. The crystal structures of hydrogen-terminated germanene and methyl-terminated germanene are simulated using crystal modeling software to observe the properties of both materials and determine whether forming a junction in an interface is practical. The work function and density of states of each 2D structure are analyzed to confirm if the ligands can work well in an interface. By simulating the crystal structure of 2D graphane analog interface and performing electronic calculations using Density Functional Theory methods, we can understand more about ligand chemistry on interfaces. Computational modeling of the structures provides novel insights into the properties and electronic structures of the materials. Successful theoretical results yield for potential synthesis of the materials to be used in the future for devices.

Name: Erin Snyder

Undergraduate Institution: Rollins College

Major: Chemistry

REU Advisor: Joshua Goldberger

Project Title: Materials with anisotropic Seebeck behavior for transverse thermoelectrics

Abstract:

Alternative energy sources are becoming more desirable to replace other sources that have significant environmental effects or lose a large fraction of the generated energy as waste heat. One solution to this problem is a thermoelectric device, which creates a current from a change in voltage produced by a heat gradient. Typical thermoelectric devices require two separate materials containing different majority carrier types, both p-type and n-type. This allows holes and electrons to travel from the hot end to the cold end, respectively, thereby creating a difference in electrical potential. If one material were able to possess both p-type and n-type behavior in perpendicular axes, as seen through an anisotropic Seebeck coefficient, these devices would offer more practical device engineering as well as geometric adaptability. Several possible candidates were identified by their band structure indicating both p-type and n-type character, including CaAgBi, CaAgSb, CaCuBi, and CaCuSb, and formed using inorganic chemistry crystal synthesis. Phase-pure samples were synthesized by reacting stoichiometric amounts at high temperatures followed by slow cooling and were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy. The next step towards transverse thermoelectric devices is creating large, single crystals to find axis dependence in Seebeck coefficients.

We are pleased to announce that after a thorough internal and external review process, 2 Exploratory Materials Research Grants (EMRGs), 3 Multidisciplinary Team Building Grants (MTBGs), and 2 Proto-IRG Grants have been selected to fund exceptionally promising, innovative materials research on campus.

The OSU Materials Research Seed Grant Program (MRSGP) provides internal research funding opportunities designed to achieve the greatest impact for seeding and advancing excellence in materials research of varying scopes. It is jointly funded and managed by the Center for Emergent Materials (CEM), an NSF MRSEC [NSF DMR-2011876], the Center for Exploration of Novel Complex Materials (ENCOMM), and the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR). Congratulations to this year’s awardees!

EMRGs – ($50,000 each) enable nascent and innovative materials research to emerge to the point of being competitive for external funding:

“In situ resource utilization with parallel extraction and additive manufacturing of lunar regolith for aluminum alloys”
PI: Sarah Wolff, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a joint appointment in Integrated Systems Engineering
Co-PI: Alan Luo, Donald D. Glower Chair in Engineering, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, with a joint appointment in Integrated Systems Engineering
“Phase-field modeling of morphology evolution at anode/electrolyte interfaces of Li-metal-based all-solid-state batteries”
PI: Yanzhou Ji, Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
Co-PI: Jung Hyun Kim, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

MTBGSs – ($70,000 each) forming multidisciplinary materials research teams that can compete effectively for federal block-funding opportunities, such as the NSF MRSEC program:

“Development of Metallic Alloy Anodes for Solid-State Batteries”
PI: Jung Hyun Kim, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Co-PI: Alan Luo, Donald D. Glower Chair in Engineering, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, with a joint appointment in Integrated Systems Engineering
“Exploring Zeolite Solide State Electrolytes for Potassium Batteries”
PI: Yiying Wu, Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Co-PI: Nicholas Brunelli, Professor & Ervin G. Bailey Chair in Energy Conversion, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
“Quantum Twist Microscope”
PI: Marc Bockrath, Professor, Physics
Co-PI: Jay Gupta, Professor, Physics

Proto-IRGs – ($100,000 each) forming multidisciplinary materials research teams that can compete effectively for federal block-funding opportunities, such as the NSF MRSEC program:

“Transducing conformational dynamics across scales”
PI: Carlos Castro, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Co-PI: Ralf Bundschuh, Professor, Physics
Co-PI: Michael Poirier, Professor, Physics
“Superconductivity at the Nexus of Magnetism and Ferroelectricity for Quantum Applications”
PI: Salva Salmani-Rezaie, Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
Co-PI: Kaveh Ahadi, Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
Co-PI: Jeanie Lau, Professor, Physics
Co-PI: Nandini Trivedi, Professor, Physics

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Pages from CEM Research for Undergraduates Program Journal Part 1

Pages from CEM Research for Undergraduates Program Journal Part 2

Pages from CEM Research for Undergraduates Program Journal Part 3

2017 Summer REU Student Information & Research Abstracts

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