Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2014
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
BJ Kim
Project Details
Overview
I am working with the neutron scattering group in the Solid State Spectroscopy department at the MPI for Solid State Research. My project so far has been growing crystals of CaCu3Ru4O12 and PrCu3Ru4O12 (hereby CCRO and PCRO, for brevity). These crystals both exhibit heavy fermion and kondo behavior, even though CCRO has no f electrons, which is normally a defining characteristic of kondo systems. The mechanism for kondo behavior in CCRO is still not known.
I’ve also been assisting other researchers with their projects when I have time, to further expand my skill set. I will join another student for a total of three neutron beamtimes studying YBCO during my stay, and I also help others align their crystal samples using Laue diffraction.
Project objectives
The first step is to grow pure polycrystals of both CCRO and PCRO via a solid state reaction. Once a pure sample is attained, I can both characterize the material properties of the polycrystals and grow large single crystals using a floating zone. These large single crystals will be used for further studies, most notably neutron scattering experiments.
Research outcomes
I have not yet been able to grow a pure enough sample of either CCRO or PCRO to warrant further characterization, so there’s nothing to report yet.
Project status
Completed
Expected completion date
12/19/2014
ConorOmand – 2014 – Presentation
ConorOmand – 2014 – Presentation2
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I wanted more experience in condensed matter research, as I’m currently deciding which field of physics I want to continue in. I’ve always been interested in solid state phenomena like superconductivity, so the MPI for Solid State Research seemed like a natural place to go. I have also always wanted to travel through Europe, to see and take in so many new cultures and places, and this was a perfect opportunity to do just that.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
For Research: I would give the same advice for any position – come in eager to learn and do well. You aren’t expected to be good right away, but you are expected to improve and grow your skill set as you move on. Coming in with a good background always helps; I came in with a lot of hands on chemistry lab experience, so growing crystals felt quite natural, but I feel somewhat underprepared for the theory work, particularly in the scattering experiments. If I could re-do the last term, I would take the 4th year Solid State Physics course to help prepare.
For Social: Make friends with the people in your lab, as the PhD students usually tend to do things, like parties and festivals, together. My institute has pick-up soccer twice a week, and I met a lot of people through that, including my current roommate. For outside of work, the group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/StuttgartExpatMeetups/) plans an event almost weekly, and is a great way to quickly make friends. If you have an interest, find people that do the same thing and hang out with them, and never turn down a chance to party or just be social.
For Travel: Take every chance you get to go somewhere that’s interesting to you. If you know anyone in Europe, no matter how weak the connection, go visit them and explore their city. For new places I’d recommend “Blind Bookings” from Germanwings (https://www.germanwings.com/skysales/BlindBooking.aspx?culture=en-GB), where you can get incredibly cheap flights, only you don’t know where you’re going until you book. I also recommend couchsurfing (https://www.couchsurfing.org), where you can stay for free in someone’s house when you travel, and if you’re lucky they can show you around and make your trip incredibly awesome.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
The culture in Germany is pretty similar to Canada, so it did not take long to get used to. The biggest differences are that stores are closed on Sundays, which might catch people off guard, and that you can have open liquor anywhere, so it isn’t uncommon for people for people to picnic and have beer on the beachs and in parks – you can have much more interesting stories when you can have a beer outside of a bar. Most people speak English, so you’ll be fine (although I recommend learning a little German), and all the other differences are pretty easy to take in stride, so there’ll be no problems.
So far in Germany, I’ve gone to Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamberg, Nuremburg, Erlangen, Mannheim, Bamberg, Wuerzberg, Freiburg, and Europa Park, either couchsurfing or staying with friends at each place. Each city has something new and exciting to offer, and walking around for a day or two in each is well worth it.
Outside of Germany, I’ve been to Switzerland, which is crazy expensive (pack a lunch if you go, and don’t stay too long) Venice, Italy, which is by far the most beautiful and historically rich city I’ve ever been in – I’d recommend spending close to a week there if you can, and Strasbourg, France, which is a cool cultural city on the border with Germany. I’m also going to both Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh) and Spain (Madrid, Valenica, and Barcelona) later this month, and I expect hose to be awesome.
I haven’t been disappointed by anywhere I’ve been, but if you come, make sure you write your own adventure in your own way. All I know is that you really can’t go wrong here.
