Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2016
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Alexander, Boris
Project Details
Overview
Conventional superconductivity has been used in various technologies over the years, such as maglev trains, MRI machines, and particle accelerators. Although the mechanism of superconductivity in conventional, low-Tc superconductors has been successfully described by phonon interactions with electrons causing them to condense into Cooper pairs, theoretical explanations of the pairing mechanism of unconventional, high-Tc superconductors has proven to be more elusive. Our project focuses on one class of these unconventional superconductors, the copper oxides, which we will analyze with various optical techniques in the hope of revealing more about the pairing mechanism that allows for superconductivity.
Project objectives
Our research collects optical data on unconventional cuprate compounds in the hopes of revealing more on the mechanism of high-Tc superconductivity. To collect our optical data, we employ both wide-band spectroscopic ellipsometry and terahertz-transmittance spectroscopy. Through the combination of these two techniques, we can measure both the real and imaginary components of the dielectric function over a wide frequency range, which will provide insight on the pairing mechanism in unconventional superconductors.
Research outcomes
Project status
Completed
Expected completion date
12/23/2016
brandonreber-2016-presentation
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
When I applied for my placement, I still hadn’t had the opportunity to participate in “real” physics. Sure, I’ve read about physics from a bunch of different textbooks with rockets, lattices, and cats on them, but I still hadn’t had the chance to experience physics research first-hand. That’s why I was excited to apply for a placement. Not only would I be able to participate in physics research, but I would be able to do so in a world-renowned facility, known for the quality of its research.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
Regardless of who is applying, chances are that you will not know every physics concept on the job description. And that is completely okay. Within the first couple of months, you’ll be taught all of the background physics concepts you need to know. Nevertheless, I recommend asking your supervisor if there is any material you should read prior to arriving at your job.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
Where do I even begin? Prior to arriving in Germany, I had never even been outside Canada! Naturally, there are some differences between the German and Canadian cultures. It was always the little things that intrigued me the most, like how most deodorants are “roll-ball” type rather than “stick” type, or how most of the dryers I’ve seen have water collection tanks that you have to empty on a regular basis. Throughout my stay in Germany, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across Europe and visit many countries. It was really amazing to me how seemingly every weekend you could go somewhere within a bus drive and see yet another historic site. To be honest, I kind of wish I could go back to when my placement started so I could experience it all over again!