Broadband Optical Spectroscopy for Interdisciplinary Materials Research
Abstract
Research that facilitates understanding of functional materials that find life-changing applications has been the backbone of the enonnous technical advancement experienced by the human civilization in the past couple of centuries. Such a basic research relies on two factors: systematic measurement of characteristics of various naturally-occurring and synthetic materials, and experimentation that searches for the origin and govemability of the materials properties. The innovations and technologies utilizing the newly discovered/synthesized functional materials do not only change the quality of life for every common man but also enhance our capability to defend and protect ourselves as a nation by empowering the security forces. The main goal of the proposed work is to actively seek electronic and magnetic materials with tunable properties that are (i) integrable in navy combat gear and/or (ii) efficient in energy generation and storage. A complete understanding of the behavior of functional materials may be realized only via comprehensive investigations over a broad energy range by exploring all aspects of the material properties. Therefore , the strategy involves probing the interplay of spin, charge, lattice and orbital degrees of freedom in functional materials using broadband spectroscopic techniques in combination with extreme conditions. Broadband optical spectroscopy in the energy range of I meV-3 eV is a versatile and powerful tool for studying vast classes of functional materials that are both organic and inorganic. While it is one of the most commonly used characterization tool of academic and industrial scientists, physicists in particular use it to study microscopic phenomena that govern the properties of functional materials. An optical spectrum bears signatures of various microscopic interaction mechanisms and facilitates in depth understanding of material properties. Therefore , it is proposed to build broadband optical spectroscopy laboratory to perform investigations on materials under extreme conditions. The extreme conditions of main interest are low temperature, high pressures and high magnetic fields. The materials under investigation fall within three broad focus areas, namely, energy mate rials, organic magnetic materials and nanomateria ls. Since broadband spectroscopy is a versatile research tool, the instrument acquired via this proposal will be made available for research and education purposes across all colleges in FAMU.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710490
Entities
People
- Komalavalli Thirunavukkuarasu
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida A&M University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense