THz imaging single impurities in silicon with THz SNOM
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Surrey
Department Name: ATI Physics
Abstract
The proposed research project would involve a large amount of experimental work, testing and improving the microscope which would be used to image the atoms. I have some experience in experimental physics as my MPhys Research year was spent with the Nuclear Physics Department at The Australian National University commissioning and testing an 8 Tesla solenoid for use as a separator of fusion products from the far more abundant elastically scattered beam particles in lab induced heavy-ion fusion reactions. This involved, among other things, undertaking a number of procedures and tests in order to check and correct the alignment of the solenoids magnetic field axis and the heavy-ion beam axis. This experience may be useful to the proposed project as it is likely that a large part of the project would involve aligning the microscope and creating ways of validating this alignment.
People |
ORCID iD |
Benedict Murdin (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jessica Smith (Student) |
Publications
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The photonics group at the University of Surrey had booth at Cheltenham Science Festival in the Discovery Zone for 3 days. One of the major demonstrations used in the booth was a treasure map made out of ping pong ball "atoms" with some of the "atoms" marked with a cross that was only visible under UV light. This demonstration was used as an analogy for attempting to find a single atom of a different element with the Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscope. The booth was very popular, attracting school children from key stage 1-2 to GCSE students and was also visited by many members of the general public. Badges and fridge magnets were given out as prizes for completing the demonstrations and this allowed us to gain an idea of how many people we interacted with and more than 500 of these prizes were given out over the 3 days. The demonstration led to many questions and conversations with both children and adults about the work being undertaken as part of this award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |