Applications of Optics and Materials Science
Start Date
August 2024
End Date
August 2024
Location
ALT 207
Abstract
In my main research project, I learned to examine samples created by nanolithography with the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Our main objective was to investigate nanolithography methods for creating regularly spaced nanometer sized gold triangles, which are needed for their plasmonic effects. AFM is used twice during that process: First, we used AFM in non-contact mode to check whether a monolayer of polystyrene nanospheres self-assembled accurately on the substrate. When the sample was deemed good, our team at the University of Cincinnati coated it with gold, then exfoliated the nanospheres off the sample. We then imaged the remaining gold nanotriangles with the AFM a second time, this time in contact mode. Our work with nano lithography will hopefully expand the world of opto-electronics, allowing for minimal energy waste in computer chips and microprocessors.
In my second project I assembled and tested an Optical Signal Processing lab. This set up allows for observing the Fourier space (frequency space) and the real space of a signal at the same time and demonstrates how alterations in Fourier space can change the signal. This is an important concept for engineers to understand.
In a third project, I set up a Virtual Reality (VR) lab with the intention of providing Xavier students with the opportunity to learn through VR experiences in their field.
Applications of Optics and Materials Science
ALT 207
In my main research project, I learned to examine samples created by nanolithography with the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Our main objective was to investigate nanolithography methods for creating regularly spaced nanometer sized gold triangles, which are needed for their plasmonic effects. AFM is used twice during that process: First, we used AFM in non-contact mode to check whether a monolayer of polystyrene nanospheres self-assembled accurately on the substrate. When the sample was deemed good, our team at the University of Cincinnati coated it with gold, then exfoliated the nanospheres off the sample. We then imaged the remaining gold nanotriangles with the AFM a second time, this time in contact mode. Our work with nano lithography will hopefully expand the world of opto-electronics, allowing for minimal energy waste in computer chips and microprocessors.
In my second project I assembled and tested an Optical Signal Processing lab. This set up allows for observing the Fourier space (frequency space) and the real space of a signal at the same time and demonstrates how alterations in Fourier space can change the signal. This is an important concept for engineers to understand.
In a third project, I set up a Virtual Reality (VR) lab with the intention of providing Xavier students with the opportunity to learn through VR experiences in their field.
