Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2014
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Ionela Vrejoiu
Project Details
Overview
My job involves investigating the properties of ferroelectric thin film structures through the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The project evolved to cover the study of ferroelectric tunneling junctions, but it is still at the beginning stages of trying to actually create a proper FTJ. These FTJ devices can be useful for a wide variety of applications, but the main focus on them currently has to do with non volatile memory sources.
Project objectives
To study ferroelectric tunneling junctions with a SrRuO3/BaTiO3/Pt heterostructure and determine the effect of the tunneling current from both changes in the ferroelectric thin film width as well as the material properties. This was done through conductive AFM and PFM, two types of scanning probe microscopy. The project also involved the fabrication of the samples, through pulsed laser deposition. The work can be seen in much more detail with nice pictures in the attached presentation.
Research outcomes
Project status
Completed
Expected completion date
12/12/2014
BrandonStuart – 2014 – Presentation
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I’m interested in pursuing further education in physics in graduate school so I wanted to work in a research institute, and also wanted to see a different part of the world, since I had never been to Europe. The Max Planck Institute gave me a perfect opportunity to do both!
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
Start learning to speak German as soon as possible. It’s not necessary to speak the language, as almost everyone speaks English, but people here do appreciate if you can speak some German, or at least make some effort to try. Start looking for a house immediately. I know here in Stuttgart they give you two months in the MPI guest house, but don’t let that fool you, the housing market in Stuttgart is very competitive and you will probably send many requests without hearing any responses. Be prepared to miss some of your favourite foods (Sushi 🙁 ), overload yourself before you come here.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
My travels in Germany, and Europe in general, have been amazing. I’ve traveled in all different ways: car, bus, train, and plane, and all of them are very viable and cheap in certain scenarios. I’ve also stayed in hotels, hostels, and random people’s houses through CouchSurfing! I would recommend one of the last two, as staying in a hotel is not a very great way to meet new people. Try to travel as much as possible when you’re here. Even if it’s just somewhere close for a weekend, it’s still great. Eastern Europe is great for traveling if you want to save money like I did! One last tip, sign up on your local expat page on Facebook and meet with them whenever they go out. In Stuttgart, they are all extremely friendly and easy to talk to, and I’ve always had a good time with them.
