Acquisition of an Excimer Laser System forÊQuantum Materials Research
Abstract
The study of Quantum Materials is one of the fastest growing areas of modern condensed matter physics. These materials exhibit a wide range of exotic insulating, metallic, superconducting, electronic, and magnetic properties, due to strong electronÐelectron correlations, topology and/or entanglement between electrons in Cooper pairs or between spins in ferromagnetic materials. The broad class of quantum materials includes phase-change electronic materials and superconductors. Furthermore, many new fascinating physical properties emerge in materials by reducing their structural dimensions (two dimensional materials), which means that these Quantum Materials are interesting from the standpoint of fundamental science. They also have potential technological impact in areas as diverse as smart and multifunctional devices, energy storage, nonvolatile optical data storage, reconfigurable logic, and ultrafast (sub-picosecond) electro-optic and all-optical devices. However, most of these applications require that materials be fabricated in thin film form, and properties can then deviate strongly from those in the bulk. The proposed project will allow the PI to replace an aging (>20-year-old) excimer laser system with a new 248 nm KrF laser ablation system to deposit high-quality Quantum Material films. The studies will help us understand their composition, microstructure, film-substrate relationship, thickness vs optical and electrical behavior and changes in the physical properties of the films using heat, light or electrical excitation. The addition of an upgraded laser with state-of-the art specifications will generate fundamental scientific and technical knowledge for optimizing the properties in quantum materials and making them suitable for multiple device applications. Participation by graduate and undergraduate students in related sub-projects, will allow them to gain cutting-edge skills and expertise in materials science. New research opportunities will be enabled in topics which are relevant to the missions of several DoD agencies, have ample potential for technological impacts, and will benefit researchers and graduate students at UPRM, the higher learning institution serving the largest number of Hispanic Science, Mathematics and Engineering students in the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110232
Entities
People
- Armando Rúa
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez