I thought it would be appropriate to take a break from the travel blogging and give a bit of information about what I’m actually doing out here in Europe. Contrary to the unfortunate stereotype of my generation, my main purpose in living here isn’t because of #Wanderlust. It’s science. I am working in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven doing research in solid state physics. IN A NUTSHELL: The big picture objective of our research is to further the understanding of solid-state materials in order to more efficiently produce innovative substrates with unique properties for use in new technologies. Essentially, we are laying the groundwork for a software which will transform the way future researchers will investigate materials. FOR THE NERDS: On a more detailed level, we are attempting to improve a crystal lattice simulation software in order to more fully understand complex atomic structures and their electromagnetic properties. By collecting experimental data using ion channeling, we are able to map the atomic structure of Germanium to assess the accuracy of the simulation software and find the areas which need to be improved. Ion Channeling is a technique in which light atoms (He+ in our case) are accelerated into a substrate and the energies of their backscattering after collision is measured by detectors. High energy readings correspond to channeling while low energy particles indicate that the beam is centered on a nucleus. From this backscattering profile we can determine the structure of the atom and produce imaging which we can then fit with out simulation software. Conventional statistics is then utilized to measure how well the experimental and simulated images agree. My desk The nature of my work is mostly experimental, preparing samples, operating the particle accelerator, finding the planes of our crystals and producing atomic imaging, but I also engage in a substantial amount of analytical work including the mathematical manipulation of data and statistical analysis. Once the crystal lattice simulation software is proved to be completely accurate, other researchers can use it to map the structures of incredibly complex elements and substrates which could never be done using conventional lab techniques. This is highly desirable since the structures of materials determine their unique magnetic, electric and optic properties which can be used in technological development. With this software, future researchers will be able to discover properties of complex materials in a fraction of the time and cost of current methods leading to more efficient research and ultimately more efficient technology for the public. Some sketches TLDR;-I spend all day in a lab throwing atoms at other atoms in formations called ‘lattices’ -We use a nifty thing called ion channeling to figure out what the lattices look like and make pretty pictures of them -We then test our simulation software against experimental data to see if the software is working -One day this software can be used for crazy things like time travel -JK but it might give you a cooler iPhone screen or something A view into the chamber of the accelerator
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AuthorAmy Renne Archives
September 2018
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