Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2014
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Dirk, Manske
Project Details
Overview
The project I am working on in Stuttgart is to examine the available models of the bosonic spectral density for various unconventional superconductors both in equilibrium and a non equilibrium pump probe induced state. The three models being examined are a Histogram model, Marginal Fermi Liquid model, and Miles Monien and Pines model. While the Histogram model is the most accurate, it tells little about the origins of the bosonic interactions and while the Marginal Fermi Liquid and Miles Monien and Pines model do include some physics, they are not as accurate. Further, by examining non equilibrium data, these models can be refined to extract the contributions from different boson modes based on the relaxation rates of the system on the femptosecond timescale.
Project objectives
The objective of this project is to design a model which captures the accuracy of the Histogram model, but reveals more of the interaction physics observed by recent non equilibrium experiments. In doing so, we hope to uncover the different contributions to the bosonic spectrum revealed by new experimental techniques and data from ARPES, RIXS, Raman Scattering, etc.
Research outcomes
The outcome of my research is in progress, however I have so far been able to determine differences between the bosonic spectrum reported in agreement with RIXS and ARPES, and the spectrums used for conductivity and momentum independent data.
Project status
Completed
Expected completion date
12/31/2014
NathanCheng – 2014 – Presentation
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I applied to work at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart because I was interested in the project and wanted the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures while I gained valuable work experience.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
I recommend students to study as much computer science as possible as this will help overcome the most tedious hurdles involved in positions here. Secondly, I recommend that students learn a little bit about the culture before coming here. Knowing another European language or two is a big advantage if you want to travel. You don’t have to be fluent, but you should work to know enough to get the impression of some basic conversation. While not always necessary, it helps with little things, like asking people on the street for directions, or talking to the dry cleaners who don’t speak a word or English.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
I have traveled extensively while here in Stuttgart. Stuttgart is centrally located which makes it great for short weekend trips. I’ve gone for weekend excursions to Paris, Prague, and I regularly visit Munich. These are great ways to see a city. However, I recommend taking a bit more time for some trips too. I spent two weeks in Italy between Como and La Specia and the Cinque Terra. Having more time really helps you to get immersed in the culture which can be very rewarding. One of my most memorable trips was a weekend trip I took to Yverdon in Switzerland, which I then extended to over 8 days traveling with friends I met in the area and sight seeing. Making friends with locals can be very rewarding.
