Nanoscale Phononic Phenomena and Thermal Imaging

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.