Quantum Materials

REU: Emergent Quantum Materials and Technology (EQUATE)

Find your place in the new quantum revolution! 


Description

Undergraduate quantum materials researchers sharing their summer projects.

Emergent Quantum Materials and Technologies (EQUATE) is a $20 million NSF-funded project placing Nebraska researchers in the second quantum revolution. This project focuses on research and workforce development to advance knowledge on topics related to quantum materials, technologies, and computation. These new technologies will revolutionize fields such as information technology, medicine, meteorology, and cryptography, with an impact on security areas such as defense and banking.

EQUATE consolidates the quantum science and technology expertise of 20 faculty researchers across the four Nebraska research institutions, establishing collaboration and feedback between theory and experiment to guide discoveries and expedite the findings of new emergent quantum materials and phenomena.

See the list below for associated mentors and projects.

Benefits

  • Competitive stipend: $6,000
  • Suite-style room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access

Learn more about academic and financial benefits.

Events

  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Research symposium

 

Questions about this program?

Please direct any questions related to this program to:

Jodi Sangster: 402-472-8946jodisangster@nebraska.edu

Outreach Coordinator > EPSCoR

 

 

Who Should Apply

Related Fields of Study
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Nanoscience
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Engineering
  • Physics
Eligibility

Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree

See Eligibility for more information.

Mentors and Projects

MENTORSPROJECTS
Prof. Xia Hong

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Scanning probe microscopy studies of van der Waals materials

In this project, the student will participate in the preparation of two dimensional van der Waals materials and characterization using atomic force microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy.

Prof. Abdelghani Laraoui

MECHANICAL & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Nanoscale imaging of magnetic phenomena in solid-state materials using diamond quantum sensors

A wide range of new materials showing exciting magnetic phenomena have been discovered over the past few decades. However, current characterization techniques do not provide the combined spatial resolution and sensitivity required to fully map their properties at the nanometer scale. A new technique has emerged for measuring physical properties (magnetic, optical, electrical…) at the nanoscale with the potential to increase sensitivity and resolution well beyond existing methods. This technology uses small diamond sheets engineered to contain nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers. In this project, students will use NV microscopy to characterize materials and compare to results obtained using current characterization techniques such as magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Students will also learn new skills in quantum optics, microwave electronics, and device nanofabrication.

Prof. Xiaoshan Xu

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Magnetism of spin-crossover organic thin films

In this project, the student will learn to carry out growth, structural, transport, and magnetic characterization of organic thin films with spin-crossover transitions.

Funding

Funding for this research program was generously provided by grants from:

  • NSF - National Science Foundation

FUNDING SOURCE:

NSF 2044049