list of applied physics and nanotechnology honours projects for

1

List of

Applied Physics and Nanotechnology

Honours Projects for 2016

To be read in conjunction with the document

‘Physics and Nano Hons process for 2016.pdf’

2

Project title High performance cathode material: NaCrO2, for Na-ion batteries

Name of supervisors Dr Dawei Su

Email address [email protected]

Project description & aims

(250 words max, summary

written for prospective

students)

Sodium-ion batteries (Na-ion batteries) are considered as a promising technology for large-scale energy storage applications owing to their low cost. However, there are many challenges for developing Na-ion batteries with high capacity, long cycle life and high-rate capability. Recently, NaCrO2 was identified as the great cathode candidate for the Na-ion batteries, which demonstrates high specific capacity and great cycling performance. In this project we will attempt to synthesize nano-sized NaCrO2 single crystals exposed with the unique crystal planes, which present the necessary channels to accommodate and intercalate Na ions. Through this project, we can improve the electrochemical performance of the NaCrO2, particularly, the high rate performance. We will also investigate the mechanism of the Na ions intercalation process through the ex-situ SEM, TEM, XPS and in-situ XRD (the instrument is just installed and tested, which is cutting-edge technique for the analysis of the batteries system) measurements.

Furthermore, I recently found that an ether-based electrolyte exhibits an improved electrochemical performance over the pure alkyl carbonate electrolytes for Na-ion batteries. Electrochemical testing and first-principle calculations demonstrate that the ether-based solvent can facilitate the overall transport of electrons and reduce the energy barrier for sodium ion diffusion. Therefore, we will combine the nano-sized NaCrO2 single crystal electrode and ether based electrolyte to develop the Na-ion batteries with high reversible sodium storage capacity, high Coulombic efficiencies, and extended cycle life.

Techniques the student

would be working with

Chemical reaction techniques: hydrothermal method, solid state method.

Electrochemical measurements techniques: galvanostatic charge-discharge testing, A.C. impedance testing, cyclic voltammetry

Materials characterization techniques: XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS

Infrastructure and support

required for project

execution

Autoclave for the hydrothermal reactions, vacuum tube furnace for the solid state reaction

Electrochemical workstation, Battery testing system

SEM, XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS (external to UTS)

Degree Nanotechnology. Also suitable for Applied Chemistry

3

Project title 3D printable optical structures for sub-ambient sky cooling.

Name of supervisors Dr Angus Gentle, Prof Geoff Smith





students)

There has been continued recent interest in radiative skycooling of

flat surfaces, due to the ability to passively attain sub-ambient

temperatures. This project will investigate 3D structures which can

passively maintain a thermal reservoir below ambient temperature

throughout the night and day.

The aim of this project is to design, fabricate and test structures which

maximise outgoing thermal radiation from a surface, while minimising

incoming radiation from the sky and sun. The project will involve 3D

design of structures using cad software, 3D printing of the optical

structures, followed by thin film deposition onto the surfaces.

Followed by outdoor thermal testing of the structures to evaluate the

performance in cooling to sub-ambient temperatures.



3D CAD design / optical modelling, 3D printing, thin film deposition,

optical characterisation, thermal characterisation, outdoor testing



execution

Access to: CAD Software (open-source), 3D printer (science

workshop), thin film deposition, roof top lab

Degree Applied Physics

mailto:[email protected]

4

Project title Electron beam fabrication of quantum effect devices

Name of supervisor(s) Prof. Milos Toth, A/Prof. Igor Aharonovich, Dr. Charlene Lobo





students)

Electron beam techniques will be used to fabricate a nanophotonic,

nanoplasmonic or nanoelectronic device component that exploits a

quantum mechanical phenomenon such as the overlap of electron

wavefunctions, or guiding of light via polaritons. The devices of

interest have future generation applications in technologies that

include optical computing, quantum computing and quantum

cryptography.

The student will choose one of a number of possible device structures

and will develop an electron beam process for fabricating, aligning or

contacting a device component with nano-scale spatial resolution. The

device component will then be characterized using optical and/or

electronic techniques. The work will be done in a dynamic UTS

research group comprised of numerous PhD students, postdocs and

academic staff who work together on electron beam techniques,

nanophotonics, nanoplasmonics and nanoelectronics, publish their

work in top nanotechnology, physics and materials science journals,

and collaborate with FEI Company (http://www.fei.com), a world-

leader in the manufacture of electron and ion beam systems.



Electron beam microscopy and nanofabrication techniques,

photolumiescence, electrical characterization techniques.



execution

This project will employ facilities presently available at UTS.

Degree Nanotechnology/Physics Honours, Engineering Capstone

5

Project title Characterization of bonding and surface structure of self-assembled quantum effect

devices

Name of supervisor(s) Dr. Charlene Lobo, Prof. Milos Toth, Dr. Avi Bendavid (CSIRO)


Project description &

aims

(250 words max,

summary written for

prospective students)

Next-generation nanophotonic, plasmonic and optoelectronic circuits rely on

accurate positioning of fluorescent nanoparticles, plasmonic elements and single

photon emitters to each other and to desired locations on the substrate (Fig. 1). This

project will employ a variety of surface-sensitive characterization techniques (such as

low energy ion scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman scattering),

optical and electrical measurements to analyze the extent of surface functionalization

and nature of bonding between the individual elements in these circuits, in order to

improve the fidelity, reproducibility, and yield of the circuit assembly process.

Figure 1: Positioning of nanodiamond optical emitters at desired locations in an

optical circuit using linking molecules.

The student will work with other group members who are developing electron beam

processes for fabricating, aligning and contacting a device component with nano-

scale spatial resolution. The work will be done in a dynamic UTS research group

comprised of numerous PhD students, postdocs and academic staff who work

together on electron beam techniques, nanophotonics, nanoplasmonics and

nanoelectronics, publish their work in top nanotechnology, physics and materials

science journals, and collaborate with FEI Company (http://www.fei.com) and CSIRO.



Chemical self-assembly, electron beam microscopy, low energy ion scattering (LEIS),

x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and a variety of other nanofabrication and

electrical characterization techniques.

Infrastructure and

support required for

project execution

This project will employ facilities presently available at UTS. Occasional visits to CSIRO

Lindfield (where the LEIS and XPS instrumentation is located) will also be required.

Degree Nanotechnology/Physics Honours, Engineering Capstone

6

Project title Design of precursor molecules for electron beam induced chemistry

Name of supervisor(s) Dr Charlene Lobo, A.Prof Andrew McDonagh, Prof. Milos Toth





students)

Electron beam induced chemistry (EBIC) is a cutting edge technique for the

fabrication and editing of advanced functional materials at the nano-scale.

Emerging EBIC applications include the fabrication of next-generation

optoelectronic devices made from diamond, chemical manipulation of single

photon emitters (Fig. 1), and electrical contacting of carbon nanotubes.

In order to expand the applications of EBIC, understanding of the underlying

chemical pathways and reaction mechanisms must be improved. Recent

advances made at UTS have made it possible to identify the properties of

precursor molecules that lead to improved purity and specificity in bonding of

EBIC-synthesized nanostructures to the substrate and to other nanostructures.

The present project will use this knowledge to design, synthesize and test a new

generation of EBIC precursor molecules for nanofabrication of functional

materials. The honours student will work with a PhD student focusing on the

design and chemical synthesis phases of the project, and will have the

opportunity to collaborate with a team of PhD students working on applications

of the synthesized precursors.

Figure 1: Chemical switching of the quantum states of single photon emitters by EBIC.

The emitters are embedded in nanoparticles processed by a scanned electron beam.



Chemical and photochemical synthesis, mass spectrometry (LC and GCMS),

electron beam induced chemistry, electron microscopy, thermogravimetric

analysis, among other techniques.



execution

This project will employ facilities presently available at UTS.

Degree Chemistry, Nanotechnology or Physics Honours

7

Development of novel bio-markers based on fluorescent nanocrystals

A/Prof Igor Aharonovich ([email protected]), Dr Olga Shimoni

The goal of the project is to demonstrate use of nanodiamonds as bio-markers for biological tagging

and labelling. Nanodiamonds are biocompatible and host bright color centers which can be used as

efficient bio labels.

The project goals are to incorporation of the nanodiamonds into biological media – e.g. cells. Several

challenges will be addressed by the students during the project: prevention of nanodiamonds’

agglomeration, investigation of emitter photostability in small particles, characterization of

nanodiamonds in cells.

This multidisciplinary project will provide the student exposure to both optical and biological

sciences. The student will have access to the newly established nanophotonics laboratory that

includes a confocal microscope for the photoluminescence measurements as well as the opportunity

to learn basic biological processes and work with cells.

Techniques: Confocal microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, biological sample preparation.

Investigation of optically active 2D materials

Dr Igor Aharonovich ([email protected]), Prof Milos Toth

Two dimensional materials (2D) such as graphene attract a lot of attention due to their unique

photophysical properties. Recently, it was shown that single layers of di-chalcogenides (MoS2/WS2)

are optically active materials that exhibit bright florescence.

This project will be focused on understanding the optical properties of these materials. The student

will investigate defect generation in these materials, perform high resolution spectroscopy and

measure photon statistics.

The student will have access to the materials and will investigate novel growth methods of single

layered materials. The newly established nanophotonics laboratory that includes all the required

optical gear (single photon detectors, spectrometer, low temperature cryostat etc) will be used for

characterization. The student will also get experience in nanomaterials characterization using SEM,

AFM and will pursue basic nanofabrication processes.

Techniques: Confocal microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, chemical vapor deposition,

Cathodoluminescence, low temperature spectroscopy.



8

Coupling single emitters to plasmonic nanostructures

Dr Igor Aharonovich ([email protected]), Prof Mike Ford, Dr M. Arnold

The goal of the project is to develop robust methods to couple single emitters to plasmonic

nanostructures. One of the main challenges in single photon emitters is their relatively low

brightness. Through coupling to plasmonic resonators, the emission is enhanced and the excited

state lifetime is reduced.

The project will involve characterization of single photon emitters using a confocal microscope and

Hunbury Brown and Twiss interferometer. Once the emitters are selected, metal nanoparticles such

as gold and silver will be deterministically positioned in a close proximity to the emitters. To

optimize the coupling, various parameters including emitter’s distance, dipole orientation and the

plasmonic medium would be varied. If time permits, modeling of the system will be conducted to

understand the underlying photophysical processes.

The student will have access to the newly established nanophotonics laboratory that includes all the

required optical gear (single photon detectors, spectrometer, low temperature cryostat etc). The

student will also get experience in nanomaterials characterization using SEM, AFM and will pursue

basic nanofabrication processes.

Techniques: Confocal microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, cathodoluminescence, low

temperature spectroscopy.

Controlled growth of diamond nanostructures

Dr Igor Aharonovich ([email protected]), Prof Milos Toth, Dr Olga Shimoni

The goal of the project is to develop growth of diamond nanoparticles and films using the newly

established microwave assisted chemical vapour deposition (CVD) reactor at UTS. One of the main

challenges will be controlling the density of the crystals, their final size and quality. A methodology

to incorporate fluorescent color centers into the diamond will be investigated as well.

The student will utilize the CVD reactor at UTS as well as the reactive ion etching system and

photolithography tools. This project will provide a thorough understanding into controlled growth of

diamond and fundamental nanofabrication techniques that will enable exposure to “real world”

technologically important processes. The student will also get experience in nanomaterials

characterization using SEM, and optical confocal microscopy.

Techniques: microwave CVD, photolithography, confocal microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy,

cathodoluminescence.



9

Project title Synthesis and optical properties of ‘cesium bronze’ and ‘sodium

bronze’

Name of supervisors Prof. Michael B Cortie, A/Prof. Andrew McDonagh





students)

‘Tungsten bronzes’ are an unusual family of conducting oxides. They

can be manipulated to be metal-like, semi-conducting or insulating,

with an associated effect on their optical properties. They are of

interest for switchable windows and other active optical devices. In

this project we will investigate the chemical synthesis and the optical

properties of cesium and sodium tungsten bronzes. These have been

identified as having potential for application plasmonic and spectrally

selective applications. Our objective is to develop a material with

controllable band-gap and optimized dielectric function.



Wet chemical synthesis, X-ray diffraction, heat treatment in controlled

atmospheres, measurement of optical properties, Raman

spectroscopy



execution

All facilities are available from within UTS.

Degree

Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Applied Chemistry

10

Project title Structure of the mollusc shell

Name of supervisor(s) Dr Annette Dowd, Prof. Michael Cortie





students)

Mollusc shells possess remarkable mechanical strength. Much of this

is due to a structural layer consisting of a composite of aragonite

(CaCO3) and protein. The protein acts like a glue and holds the crystals

of aragonite together, like mortar holds bricks together. Due to

diffraction of light, this is the layer that gives many mollusc shells their

nacreous lustre. Normally, there is also an outer layer of white CaCO3

with the calcite crystal structure. This layer is relatively brittle

compared to the nacreous layer. Recently, application of hi-resolution

Raman mapping at UTS has revealed that, in some species, there is an

intermediate layer that has a Raman spectrum matching aragonite yet

has a non-composite, non-nacreous microstructure. The purpose of

the present project is to find out what microstructure and properties

this intermediate layer actually has, whether such a layer is common

across a range of taxa (ie. different kinds of molluscs), and, if possible,

what its function might be for the organism.



Raman spectroscopy, analysis of Raman spectral data, optical and

scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, other characterization

techniques as needed or available



execution

The necessary equipment is available at UTS.

Degree Applied Physics or Nanotechnology

11

Project title Quasi-ordered optical metamaterials

Name of supervisors Dr Matthew Arnold, Prof Michael Cortie





students)

Nanostructured optical metamaterials are enabling very exciting

developments in areas such as cloaking, communications, sensing, and

energy efficient devices and materials. Most of the design of these

materials relies on very intensive computer calculations and

production of well-ordered structures. However, the least expensive

methods for large area applications produce structures that are not

well-ordered. Understanding of such quasi-ordered materials is

limited, so there is a need to establish the applicability of existing

models and develop new ones.

The aim of this project is to use Monte Carlo techniques to test and/or

develop models for the optical scattering of realistic structures.

Potentially this would enable “designer” metamaterials that are

robust to manufacturing tolerances. It would mostly suit someone

with good mathematical and programming aptitude. If time permits

and you’re interested, there would be scope for some work on real

structures such as structured thin films and/or biological systems (e.g.

SEM, or vapour deposition, or optical characterization).



Computational coding (probably one or two of Octave/ Python

/C/Fortran) Monte Carlo and/or potential-based structure generation,

Fourier/correlation analysis, Discrete Dipole Approximation.



execution

Computational resources through UTS (Science, FEIT). We will also

have applied for time on one of the state or national facilities. Basic

code is available and being actively developed.

Degree Applied Physics or Nanotechnology

12

Project title Acceptors in zinc oxide nanowires

Name of supervisor(s) Dr Cuong Ton-That, Prof Matthew Phillips





students)

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires have the capability to provide the key for

many nanodevice applications due to its versatile optical and

electronic properties. ZnO also possesses properties superior to its

chief competitor, Gallium Nitride (GaN) that has been widely used in

light emitting diodes in recent years. Like nitride materials, benefits of

ZnO can only be realised once a reliable acceptor and associated

fabrication methods have been established.

Our recent studies have shown that ZnO nanowires doped with

nitrogen by plasma annealing exhibit the characteristics of a shallow

acceptor. However, the exact chemical origin of the acceptor has not

been established. This project involves the growth of ZnO nanowires

with prescribed defect properties using chemical vapour deposition.

Doping can be achieved in situ during the nanowire growth or as a

post-growth step. You will obtain experience in the synthesis and

characterisation of nanomaterials.

ZnO nanowires grown at UTS



Plasma processing, electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence,

photoluminescence, Raman, x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray

analysis



execution

The project will employ nanowire growth and characterisation

facilities available in the MAU.

Degree Honours Applied Physics or Honours Nanotechnology

13

Project title Thin film architectures for spectral and angular control of light

Name of supervisors Dr Matthew Arnold and Dr Angus Gentle





students)

Controlling “radiance”, the amount of optical energy passing into and

out of a surface, is key for leveraging advances in optical science for

application to energy efficient buildings. In particular, novel thin film

designs should allow control of spectral and angular radiance in new

ways (e.g. coatings that keep buildings cooler than the surroundings

http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2015/05/super-cool-roof-solution-

being-hot-city, coatings that only allow one angle to pass http://ab-

initio.mit.edu/~ycshen/angularselective/).

A cool roof material, photo by Angus via the UTS news room.

The aim of this project is to design, produce and test thin film stacks

that have desirable spectral and angular properties. Some of the

inspiration and/or materials may come from biological systems. There

is considerable scope for choosing your direction in this project, but it

would ideally suit someone with good technical and analytical

aptitude.



Thin film design software, vacuum deposition, advanced

spectrophotometry, ellipsometry, XRD, EDS



execution

See techniques – all infrastructure is already available and in-place.

Makes use of newly purchased state-of-the-art optical

characterization equipment (VASE ellipsometer & Agilent UMS).

Degree

Honours Applied Physics or Honours Nanotechnology

http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2015/05/super-cool-roof-solution-being-hot-city

http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2015/05/super-cool-roof-solution-being-hot-city

http://ab-initio.mit.edu/~ycshen/angularselective/

http://ab-initio.mit.edu/~ycshen/angularselective/

14

Project title 2 Dimensional Materials

Name of supervisor(s) A/Prof Mike Ford





students)

Graphene is the most famous and most widely studied single atom

thick or 2D material. There are now a number of alternative 2D

materials that have been discovered, for example MoS2, silicene,

phosphorene etc that all have equally promising properties and

applications in, for example, electronic devices. Combinations of

different 2D layers to build so-called van der Waals hetrostructures is

even more promising because it provides access to a huge range of

material properties and the ability to tune these properties.

Combining these materials experimentally is very challenging and has

limited advances in this field. This is where computer simulations, or

experiments conducted in-silico, are invaluable as they overcome

these problems. The aim of this project is to use calculations to

identify new van der Waals hetrostructures that could be used, for

example, as single photon sources in quantum communication.

The research will give you an introduction to the rapidly growing field

of 2D materials, experience at solving problems using numerical

techniques and using high performance computing systems.

There is potential for more than one honours project working in this

area supervised by me.



Computer based materials programs for calculating the properties of

materials (eg VASP or SIESTA). Depending upon interest there is also

opportunity to write your own programs.



execution

High performance computing facilities. We have access to the 57,472

processor supercomputer in Canberra, and the 3,328 processor Cray

supercomputer in Perth.

Degree Honours Nanotechnology or Honours Applied Physics

list of applied physics and nanotechnology honours projects for

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