CAREER: Heat Capacity Study on Low Dimensional Electronic Systems at Low Temperature

这个CAREER项目解决了Kosterlitz-Thouless （KT）型超导转变和超导体-绝缘体转变（SIT）在低至~10mK温度下的同时热容量和输运测量。该项目包括设计和制造最先进的低温纳米量热计。对于SQUID读出，量热计的预期灵敏度预计足以检测到10mK下约1纳克的金属（例如铜）的电子热容贡献，对应于覆盖直径约1mm区域的单层薄膜。超薄AuIn， Ta和Bi薄膜的超导跃迁将在连续流He低温恒温器和稀释冰箱中进行研究。实验技术的发展也有望影响其他二维系统的热力学性质的研究，如费米液体、近道系统和半导体界面中的电子，为这一领域的终身贡献和教育奠定基础。该项目涉及对本科生和研究生进行工业标准微加工技术和各种凝聚态技术的教育和培训。以计算机为基础的大型数据集的获取和分析需要在信息技术的前沿进行培训。这些机会将帮助学生培养面向未来的科学和技术观点。PI将开发一门新课程，以理科生和各学科研究生为对象，教授各种尖端设备的原理和应用。本课程将以个案研究、文献搜寻及海报展示等形式，让学生积极参与课堂活动。外展工作包括创建一个综合性网站，其中包含与研究和教育活动、K12和社区学院讲座、示范和实验室参观相关的教育材料。＊＊＊

This CAREER project addresses simultaneous heat capacity and transport measurements on Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) type superconducting transitions and Superconductor-Insulator Transi-tions (SIT) at temperatures down to ~10mK. The project includes design and fabrication of a state-of-the-art low temperature nano-calorimeter. With a SQUID readout, the expected sensitiv-ity of the calorimeter is expected to be sufficient to detect the electronic heat capacity contribu-tion from a metal (copper, for example) of ~1 nanogram at 10mK, corresponding to a monolayer film covering an area of ~1mm in diameter. Superconducting transitions of ultrathin AuIn, Ta, and Bi films will be investigated in a continuous flow He cryostat, and a dilution refrigerator. Experimental techniques to be developed are expected to also impact the study of thermody-namic properties of other 2D systems such as Fermi liquids, Kondo systems, and electrons in semiconductor interfaces, providing a foundation for a lifetime of contribution and education in this field. The project involves education and training of undergraduate and graduate students in industry-standard microfabrication techniques and a variety of condensed matter techniques. Computer-based acquisition and analysis of large data sets requires training at the frontier of information technology. These opportunities will help students develop future-oriented perspectives on sci-ence and technology. The PI will develop a new course to teach principles and applications of various state-of-the-art devices to science majors and graduate students from various disciplines of science. The course will offer students active participation in the class activity in the form of case study, literature search, and poster presentations. An outreach effort includes creating a comprehensive website containing educational materials related with research and educational activities, K12 and community college lectures, demonstration, and laboratory tours. ***