Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2016
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Liu Hao Tjeng
Project Details
Overview
The Department of Physics of Correlated Matter at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids investigates how interactions among the electrons in materials with transition and rare earth metals lead to unique quantum properties. Experiments and theory together describe the electronic structure, tune the strength, and optimize the properties of materials for applications. One of the department’s many research thrusts is in the field of thin films. Specifically, using molecular beam epitaxy in ultra-high vacuum conditions, single crystalline oxides and topological insulators are produced for investigation into their metal-insulator transitions and magnetic properties. As a part of this group for 8 months, I have learned to grow EuO thin films and investigate the effects image charge screening with Mg and MgO capping has on ultra-thin EuO films.
Project objectives
The main goal of my project is to produce a thickness dependent series of ultra-thin EuO films half-capped with conducting Mg and half-capped with insulating MgO, before performing magnetic measurements to test each half of the sample’s Curie temperatures. To do this, I have acquired numerous experimental techniques in working with ultra-high vacuum chambers, molecular beam epitaxy, spectroscopic characterization of the samples, and magnetic analysis.
Research outcomes
I have learned to use the ultra-high vacuum chambers to grow epitaxial, chemically pure EuO and characterize it with RHEED, LEED, XPS, and perform XRD and SQUID measurements. So far, I have made over a dozen thin films all on my own and am in the process of making the final ultra-thin films of EuO covered half with Mg and half with MgO.
Project status
Completed
Expected completion date
12/23/2016
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I applied for this placement because I knew MPI was famous for outstanding scientific work and that the position would be a fantastic opportunity to train and take part in cutting edge research while experiencing a different country and continent. Working at MPI would be a significant step towards my career ambitions. I had grown up in Vancouver and so was excited to get the chance to live and work in a different environment.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
I would highly recommend coming to Dresden and working at the MPI for Chemical Physics of Solids. The Visitors Program at the institute was phenomenally helpful in everything from securing very reasonably priced housing weeks before arriving in Dresden, to introductions to the institute, to arranging appointments for the bank and with the city office for my residence permit. While being a tourist, students should take full advantage of the discounts that being a student affords. I recommend using your colleagues at work as resources to get to know your city and Europe.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
Dresden is a beautiful, compact city with ample cultural and natural attractions. Festivals are plentiful in the summertime and I look forward to its world-famous Christmas market. Just 10 minutes from my apartment I can run along the scenic Elbe riverfront or amongst the trees at the massive Heide forest. For the avid hiker, the Saxon Switzerland sandstone mountains and the historic trails of the Painters’ Way are just an hour away by train. I have had the chance to travel by bus, train, paddle boat, and plane to see vibrant cities and quaint towns in Germany and throughout Europe.
