Probing Functional Materials Under Extreme Conditions
Abstract
The main objective of this proposal is to reveal and understand tunable electronic and magnetic properties of functional materials. These functional materials will serve as excellent candidates for applications in flexible electronics integrable in naval combat gear. The primary goal is to investigate materials that fall within three focus areas, namely, energy materials, organic magnetic materials and nanocomposites. The exotic electronic and magnetic properties in materials that eventually lead to life changing applications, originate due to a subtle interplay of spin, charge, lattice and orbital degrees of freedom in functional materials. Therefore, the materials of interest have to be probed with tools that reveal the nature of interactions between these degrees of freedom that define the vital microscopic mechanisms. Multiple broadband spectroscopic techniques will be employed in combination with extreme conditions for the proposed investigations. The spectroscopic tools are electron paramagnetic resonance, THz and infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering and photoluminescence at high pressures, low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Although, the spectroscopic tools listed here are used by several scientists to study materials properties, the potential for utilizing all of the above techniques with in one investigative work, especially in combination with high pressure and high magnetic fields is very uncommon. This offers a novel and comprehensive approach towards understanding the microscopic phenomena responsible for the complex behavior of materials. The scientific goals described in this proposal are expected to enable researchers to move closer towards their applications that satisfy naval needs by providing in-depth understanding of the materials properties. As mentioned above, focus will be laid on identifying materials with controllable properties to achieve: (i) increased energy efficiency, (ii) reliable and compact data storage, and (iii) flexible and marine friendly optoelectronic materials. All these criteria will be investigated with emphasis on the material’s potential to be used in the manufacturing of light weight Naval combat gears. In addition to the scientific benefits of the proposed work, this funding program will accelerate the strengthening of the materials research program in the Department of Physics at Florida A&M University, in accordance with its strategic plan and objectives. The proposed work involves close collaboration of the PI with national user facilities, especially the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and thereby offers an excellent environment for a traditionally underrepresented student cohort to gain research experience and other professional skills. The proposed work will be performed with Dr. Komalavalli Thirunavukkuarasu at Florida A & M University as the Principal Investigator. Total funds of $375000 are requested for a funding period of 3 yrs starting from 1 August 2016 until 31 July 2019.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141713061
Entities
People
- Komalavalli Thirunavukkuarasu
Organizations
- Florida A&M University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy