Summer 2025 Project Descriptions

Synthesis and Stability of Nanostructured Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Extreme Environments

Project Overview:

The research aims to develop and characterize nanostructured ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) and UHTC/SiO₂ composites suitable for applications in extreme environments, such as hypersonic flight (speeds exceeding Mach 5). UHTCs possess exceptionally high melting points but face challenges like poor thermal shock resistance and oxidation vulnerability. Nanostructuring these materials could enhance cooling methods, reduce thermal stress, and improve oxidation resistance. The project focuses on fabricating nanoporous UHTCs through low-temperature ceramic conversion of metallic precursors using reactive gases (e.g., CH₄, NH₃) and creating nanostructured composites via sol-gel processes. The thermal stability and morphological evolution of these materials will be studied at high temperatures (up to 1700°C).

Objectives:

• Synthesize nanoporous UHTCs and nanostructured UHTC/SiO₂ composites.
• Quantify the kinetic parameters of thermal coarsening to predict feature size changes during high-temperature exposure.
• Characterize the materials using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Understand the implications of morphological stability on the performance of UHTCs in extreme environments.

Skills and Techniques:

• Materials synthesis involving ceramic conversion and sol-gel processing.
• High-temperature thermal treatment and furnace operation.
• Microstructural characterization using XRD and SEM.
• Data analysis related to materials stability and coarsening kinetics.

Nanomechanical Diagnostics System for Pathogen Detection

Project Overview:

This project focuses on developing a nanomechanical diagnostics system for the detection of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) using microcantilever technology. The aim is to create a rapid, quantitative, and cost-effective point-of-care (POC) test that can detect these pathogens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where co-infections are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). The system seeks to address the need for early diagnosis and improved linkage to care by enabling simultaneous detection and monitoring of multiple viruses.

Objectives:

• Develop protocols for immobilizing antibodies specific to HIV, HBV, and HCV antigens on microcantilevers.
• Utilize optical detection methods to measure microcantilever bending resulting from antigen-antibody interactions.
• Assess the sensitivity and specificity of the nanomechanical system for quantitative detection.
• Explore the potential of the system as a POC diagnostic tool to improve disease management in resource-limited settings.

Skills and Techniques:

• Operation of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale imaging and analysis.
• Microcantilever fabrication and functionalization with biomolecules.
• Surface characterization using fluorescent and confocal microscopy.
• Understanding of immunoassay principles and nanomechanical sensing mechanisms.

Novel Nanoscale Characterization Techniques for Superconducting Devices in Quantum Computing

Project Overview:

This research aims to use multimodal materials characterization techniques to study the subsurface AlOx interface within an Al-AlOx-Al Josephson junction, a key device component in superconducting qubits used for quantum computing applications. The project will involve three materials characterization techniques used collectively to understand the global structure and chemistry of the buried interface and probe any materials defects not visible at the surface. First, Hitachi’s SU8700 scanning electron microscope (SEM) will be used to obtain a series of high quality images, which will involve optimizing various parameters such as acceleration voltages, beam alignment, beam current, and signals captured (secondary electrons and/or backscattered electrons). Along with SEM imaging, Oxford’s Ultim Extreme and Ultim Max 170 energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detectors will be used to quantify and compare elemental compositions of Al and O at different penetration depths into the sample, to evaluate any variations in oxygen content across the AlOx layer. Lastly, Bruker’s Dimension Icon atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with a proprietary ultrasound attachment will be used to employ a novel imaging method called scanning near-field ultrasound holography (SNFUH). The goal of this measurement is to probe the buried interface with high spatial resolution and depth information, to evaluate the presence of materials defects. The overall goal of this project is to utilize non-destructive techniques to probe the global materials structure and chemistry of the Josephson junction, without the need to use local, destructive techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atom probe tomography (APT), or depth-profiling with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). Developments towards this end will have widespread implications in quality control and performance improvements for superconducting quantum computing.

Objectives:

• Use SEM to collect high quality images of Josephson junctions at varying acceleration voltages, maximizing signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution while minimizing charging, contamination, and drift.
• Use EDS to collect high energy resolution spectra of Josephson junctions at varying acceleration voltages, maximizing signal-to-noise ratio and depth resolution.
• Use AFM SNFUH to probe large-area defects in the subsurface interface of the Josephson junction.
• Assess the capabilities of these three large-area techniques as quicker and non-destructive alternatives to local, destructive, and time-consuming techniques currently used for qubit characterization.
• Contribute to the understanding of structural and chemical defects in Josephson junctions to the coherence of superconducting qubits for quantum computing applications.

Skills and Techniques:

• Operation of SEM equipment, specifically for high quality image collection and EDS spectroscopy at lower acceleration voltages.
• Operation of AFM equipment, with a proprietary add-on for ultrasound holography, to map buried structures in the nanoscale.
• Data analysis using software for interpreting SEM, EDS, and AFM data.
• Understanding of materials science and quantum physics, related to crystallographic defects and superconducting transmon qubits, respectively.

Desired disciplinary background or special expertise needed:

• Basic understanding of materials defects – pinholes, vacancies, dislocations, grain boundaries, cracks, etc.
• Prior experience with SEM, EDS, and/or AFM and corresponding analysis software (ImageJ/Fiji, Oxford Aztec, Gwyddion/NanoScope Analysis) will be useful but not required

Hydrogen in Energy and Information Sciences

Project Overview:

This project aims to understand how hydrogen moves through materials. Understanding these mechanisms can help us develop better fuel cells and devices for clean energy. This project specifically aims to understand how interfaces affect hydrogen/proton conduction. We are working to develop methods to detect hydrogen both directly and indirectly using advanced microscopy techniques. Tools used: SEM, TEM, possibly python for data analysis.

Desired disciplinary background or special expertise needed:

• Materials science, physics, chemistry, or other related fields.