Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2017
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Sasha Boris
Project Details
Overview
The Solid State Spectroscopy group, directed by Dr. Bernhard Keimer, at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Physics studies the physics of strongly correlated electron systems using various spectroscopic experimental methods — neutron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy to name a few. For 8 months, I work with Dr. Sasha Boris, a senior scientist, whose main focus is characterizing the optical properties of copper oxides.
Project objectives
The aim of this project is to use spectroscopic procedures to characterize the optical properties of cuprates to ultimately better understand the pseudogap phase of these high-Tc superconductors. This project employs Time-Domain (THz) spectroscopy as well as Wide-Band (far IR to deep-UV) Spectroscopic Ellipsometry to supplement existing experimental data with optical data.
Research outcomes
As of August 3rd, I participate in experimental procedures such as sample preparation, sample mounting, handling cryogenics, cooling cryostats, optical alignment and of course data acquisition. In addition to daily lab work, I also write Origin and Mathematica scripts that facilitates and expedites the data analysis process. For a week, I was sent on a business trip to the ANKA facility at KIT where I worked day and night to gather data using their synchrotron.
Project status
Completed
Cinnie Hsiung_2017_Presentation
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
As a student from Engineering Physics, I have had many opportunities to work with the Engineering aspect on previous coops and in classes. In contrast, I did not yet have exposure to real academic laboratory experiences. The Max Planck Institute postings offered a chance to experience the Physics aspect of my degree at one of the most prestigious scientific institutions working on the most current fields of study. A position in Germany also allowed for travelling all around Europe which is proving to be a nice bonus.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
Apply even if you are not confident! It also pays off to have studied a bit of German before you arrive (maybe complete a third or so of Duolingo?). Not being able to read any signs nor any notice boards upon arrival was incredibly debilitating. I also highly recommend traveling. Germany is situated right in central Europe which facilitates travel to basically any region. Try to book plane tickets as early as possible — there are 20 euro round trip tickets this way.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
I would say Hamburg is one of the best cities to visit in Germany. There is a huge park, “Planten und Bloomen” (literally translates to the wholly original Plants and Flowers) which holds a fountain light-water-music concert show every evening. There is this miniature railway museum that is absolutely phenomenal. And of course, on Sunday mornings, there is the traditional Fisch (Fish) Market which has continued for a hundred years. Participate in one of the food auctions! That was an amazing cultural experience for me.
A lesser known city I recommend is Ljubljana. The city is filled with culture. They have artwork and sculptures every 50m. There are sprinkles of Greek mythology all around the town. Every bridge is distinct with its own personality. The people there are also very nice. They have different events/festivals every week or so. When I went, there was both a Burger Festival and a Wine Festival. We were able to buy glasses of wines from around the world for 1 euro, socialize with the locals and friends and all in all have a great time.
