Hands-on Quantum Materials Lab
Abstract
The objectives of this project are 1) to establish a turn-key, easy-to-use quantum materials investigation lab for research, outreach and on-campus education-a Hands-on Quantum Materials Lab (HQML) and 2) augment ongoing and enable new DoD research. Here we request funding for instrumentation to opto-, electro- and mechanically analyze and manipulate novel material structures that exhibit quantum effects: The requested instrument, an attoDry1000-9T with attoAFM/CFM from attocube systems AG is a closed-cycle low-temperature, high magnetic field capable nanomaterials analysis system for Atomic force microscopy, Confocal microscopy, Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, Magnetic domain imaging and more. The project s motivation stems from the observation that today we are no longer just shaping materials to reveal more intricate details on the tiny scales of the quantum world, now we are beginning to employ quantum effects in devices. Rudimentary examples of this onset of the quantum technology age are quantum dot TV screens. However, the term quantum , if at all known is merely a fashion word and quantum mechanics just an academic construct; far removed from ones daily lives. Here we will conduct quantum technology enabling research, show that the quantum world is literally right at everyone s finger tips, and train students in the San Joaquin Valley for the job market of the quantum technology age. In this project the instrumentation for the HQML will be used threefold-research, education and outreach: Outreach: Thin layers of material, one atom thick, can be produced with one s bare hands and a piece of scotch tape. The so called scotch-tape method, originally used to mechanically exfoliated graphene (atomic monolayers of graphite), is now being applied to many other materials, most prominently transition metal dichalcogenites. On the campus open days, Bobcat day and preview day, the lab will be opened for the general public, where visitors will engage in exfoliation and the imaging of these materials. In addition, the instrument will be tied in with the lab tours for high school students offered by the UC Merced Society of Physics Students and individual high-school students will be able to join the UC Merced investigators and use the instrument through programs such as Project SEED. Education: The instrument will be tied in with existing courses in Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering for demonstrating advanced materials characterization on the nanoscale and in extreme environments. A lab module will be developed in which students will use the instrument hands-on. Research: The research will focus on how structural and configurational changes effect the optoelectronic response at the single nanostructure level. The instrument will support research which includes novel approaches to spatially arrange and structurally design colloidal dots, couple mechanical motion to quantum dot states and induce 1D or 0D localization in 2D materials. Thereby the longstanding challenges of positioning colloidal dots, of reversibly modifying quantum dot structures post fabrication and of interfacing quantum effects with the macroscopic world are being addressed by a multidisciplinary team of UC Merced experts on quantum dots and novel 2D materials. As a user facility the instrument will also be available to a broader user base from UC Merced and the neighboring communities for conducting research into other aspects at the nanometer scale. The instrument will expand UCM s...
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710452
Entities
People
- Michael Scheibner
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of California