Nanoscale Phononic Phenomena and Thermal Imaging

与我们对电子输运的先进理解相比，对纳米尺度热输运的理解还处于起步阶段，限制了我们在纳米尺度上管理热流的能力。在理解量子尺寸效应、界面电阻以及声子和电子热输运的相互作用方面存在着根本性的挑战。再加上这些理论上的挑战，很少有方法可以通过实验测量空间分辨率的热性能。该学生将开发和应用扫描热显微镜技术，使用改进的原子力显微镜来研究纳米尺度的热传输。材料的重点将是用于高密度磁数据存储的先进材料的热传输特性，以及用于纳米级热电器件的声子元材料的设计。

In contrast to our advanced understanding of electronic transport, understanding of nanoscale thermal transport is in its infancy, limiting our ability to manage heat flow on the nanoscale. There are fundamental challenges in understanding the role of quantum size effects, interfacial resistances and the interplay of phonon and electronic thermal transport. Coupled with these theoretical challenges, there are few methods of experimentally measuring thermal properties with spatial resolution. The student will develop and apply the technique of Scanning Thermal Microscopy using a modified Atomic Force Microscope to study nanoscale thermal transport. The materials focus will be on the thermal transport properties of advanced materials for applications in high density magnetic data storage and the design of phononic meta materials for nanoscale thermoelectrics.