Physics and Materials Science

Name of the Faculty Mentor: Xiao Shen

Faculty Mentor's Department: Physics and Materials Science

Contact Information: 901-678-1668, xshen1@memphis.edu

Project Description: The undergraduate research assistants will construct atomistic computer models of 2D GeSe and GeTe using visualization software, and optimize the atomic structures using quantum mechanical calculations. Further tasks includes computing the electron and hole trapping energies at the domain walls at these materials. The dynamics of the these trapped electrons and holes will also be investigated.

Requirements for Student Applicants: Physics Major

Application or Interview Process: Unofficial transcripts

Hours per Week the Student Will Work: 10

Starting Date: Immediately

Compensation:  Volunteer

Faculty Mentor:  Thang Hoang

Faculty Mentor's Department:  Physics and Materials Science

Email: tbhoang@memphis.edu

Project Description: Metamaterials are a class of material engineered to have exotic properties. Most generally, metamaterials are made to have unique ways of interacting with light such as bending, absorbing, reflecting or transmitting light in specific designed manners. Some analogue of metamaterials are found in nature such as eyes of some lobsters or wings of butterflies. Nanomaterials, on the other hand, can be understood as traditional materials but appeared at nanoscale. Examples of novel nanomaterials includes semiconductor quantum dots, semiconductor nanowires (rods), molecules and recently discovered 2D layered dichalcogenides. By integrating nanomaterials with metamaterials many interesting physical phenomena occur. For instance, when integrate semiconductor quantum dots or molecules (nanomaterials) with plasmonic nanocavities (metamaterials) the photon emission rate of the quantum dots or molecules is enhanced by nearly a 1000-fold. This happens because of the interaction between the nanomaterials with light that is being stored in the metamaterials. The Hoang group experimentally investigates the light-matter interaction between nanomaterials and single plasmonic and photonic nanostructures. Students will be involved in: nano-fabrication, micro-photoluminescence, single particle spectroscopy, time-correlated single photon spectroscopy. This research topic is aligning perfectly with current trends of nanophotonics, which promise a new generation efficient light absorbing and emitting devices ranging from photon detection/emission, bio-sensing, quantum information and photovoltaic applications.

Requirement for Student Applicants:  Amount of physics and optics coursework completed will determine suitable project choices, current enrollment in General Physics I or higher required.

Starting Date: Anytime

Method of Compensation:  Volunteer