I work in the MBE Lab, which is part of the Materials Department and manufactures inorganic semiconductor materials through the process of molecular beam epitaxy. So what is MBE?

It is the method that creates materials of the highest achievable purity in grown films and involves the use of a large machine with ultra high vacuum contained compartments. Elements are heated in separate cells until they begin to sublime, at which point they condense on a wafer and interact with each other to create a thin film. It is called “beam” because ideally the atoms of the elements do not interact until they settle on the wafer. The term “epitaxy” means that the molecules are deposited in a crystalline form in layers over the substrate.

My main research project is concerned with plasmonics, the practice of using nanostructures to manipulate light through a composite material. I work with a material composed of a semiconductor matrix embedded with semimetallic nanoparticles that is grown by MBE. When light waves hit the nanoparticles, the electric field of the wave causes the free electrons of the nanoparticles to move away from the positive nucleus. The restoring force then pulls the electrons back toward the nucleus. This motion continues, and the electrons oscillate back and forth. Surface plasmon resonance occurs when the light frequency matches the oscillation frequency.

I am working to extrapolate the properties of this material using the observed absorption data. We hope to construct a curve based on the surface plasmon resonance theory that fits the experimental data. Through this process, we can discern features of the matrix material such as the dielectric function and the carrier concentration, which need to be considered when the material is used in other applications.

Whether you’re a physicist, engineer, or a mathematician, there are various research projects of which you can be a part; with so many choices, it can seem overwhelming to find the perfect fit for you.

I’m a Mathematics and Psychology double major, so when I wanted to venture into research, I wasn’t quite sure where to start. Since research in the field of mathematics seemed daunting to me, I decided to volunteer at the Psychology Brain Imaging lab that was involved in better understanding the mechanisms of the motor cortex. I am deeply fascinated by the workings of the human brain, so I knew I would enjoy the experience, but I couldn’t possibly predict the true effects of my participation. I started with some regular tasks such as loading human subjects into the fMRI machine and making sure the programs that controlled the machines were running correctly, but I was soon propelled into a different world where I used MATLAB to analyze the data that had been collected. I found myself writing code to accomplish the tasks that my mentor wished to achieve, and I taught myself more and more about the program as required. By joining the lab, I was able to learn more about myself and find something that really suited my abilities and interests.

When I left the position, I was equipped with programming experience in MATLAB, a skill which would help me find an internship at the Center for Energy Efficient Materials (CEEM) a year later. I am now working on hands-on research in compound semiconductor nanocomposites and writing MATLAB programs that can help visualize the activity at the nano-level. Although I’m new to the physics realm, I’m really fascinated by the work that I’m doing everyday, and it’s quickly convincing me to try and fit a physics minor into my already hectic schedule just so I can learn more. Hopefully, I can work up the courage to start research in mathematics (maybe even a senior thesis!); I know that I’m learning skills throughout my journey that will make me better equipped for that project.

An initial hesitation with exploring research may be the uncertainty of knowing whether or not you’ll like your project. My experience has taught me that whether or not it’s something that you decide to spend the rest of your career studying, the skills that you pick up in these opportunities are invaluable. The undergraduate research experience is unique in that one still has the time to change through different projects; it allows the freedom to find your niche in the research community so that your passion and interest are clearly reflected in the work you accomplish. The best way to find where you belong is to get involved in a project that really interests you, and you can learn more about yourself from there. Remember: it’s never too early to start!