Auburn purchases new technology to advance quantum research
Published: Dec 3, 2020 9:11 AM
By Alyssa Turner
Auburn University is now home to a piece of equipment that will allow faculty and students to advance research in materials for quantum information science.
A state-of-the-art Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) DynaCool has been installed in Broun Hall, home of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Alabama Micro/Nano Science and Technology Center (AMNSTC).
The Quantum Design PPMS houses a 9-Tesla cryogen-free magnet and can reach a temperature as low as 1.7 Kelvin (-456 degrees Fahrenheit). With various measurement set-up options accompanying the user-friendly system, the PPMS is a wide temperature range materials and device characterization system that allows for extensive studies of electronic, magnetic and thermal properties.
Peng Li, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, describes the research importance facilitated by this diverse analysis tool, which assists in the collaboration among interdisciplinary research groups.
“Research groups across campus will use it to study quantum materials and devices,” Li explained. “These include electronic transport in NbN quantum conducting devices, electronic and magnetic effects in two-dimensional materials and oxide thin films, magnetic properties of spintronic devices and thermal properties of materials for advanced packaging for future computing systems.”
Li, together with Michael C. Hamilton, the James B. Davis Professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of AMNSTC, and Ryan Comes, assistant professor of physics, worked with other faculty members in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Mathematics to define and acquire the system.
The PPMS significantly advances Auburn University’s research capabilities in quantum materials and devices, as well as materials and components for advanced packing technologies. It will provide fundamental information to support the work of multiple research groups across campus and will allow researchers to be more competitive for additional externally sponsored research awards.
The Quantum Design PPMS may be used by researchers across campus who can contact Li for more information or to reserve time on the system.
Media Contact: , chris.anthony@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
Students are pictured with the Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) DynaCool in Broun Hall.
