PURDUE
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSE SEMINAR
Shriram Ramanathan
Associate Professor of Materials Science
Harvard University
“Structure-property relations in thin film oxide systems”
Abstract
Transition metal oxides display fascinating ionic and electronic conduction properties that are of interest
to solid state device technologies and materials sciences. The long range transport is closely dependent on
microstructure, e.g. crystal orientation, epitaxial strain; composition, e.g. non-stoichiometry in the anion
sub-lattice and electronic structure, e.g. orbital non-degeneracy. We will present representative examples
of experimental studies concerning band insulators and strongly correlated semiconductors with emphasis
on understanding the microscopic connection between crystal symmetry, electronic phase change and
super-ionic conduction. Central to these studies is the synthesis of thin film crystalline oxides with
controlled disorder which requires unique instrumentation. Subsequently, we will give examples of
collaborative studies in photonics, electronics and energy conversion where complex oxide films,
heterostructures or freestanding membranes form the active component. We will then briefly consider
topics for future research concerning non-equilibrium thermodynamics, high frequency carrier transport
and adaptive electronic phases wherein materials synthesis and reciprocal space characterization assume
great significance. These studies will be placed in the context of applications such as neural circuits,
natural gas-sourced fuel cells and programmable matter.
Bio
Shriram Ramanathan received his PhD from Stanford University in Materials Science and Engineering in
2002. He was a research staff member at Components Research, Intel for over three years and
subsequently joined Harvard University where he is presently Associate Professor in the School of
Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research interests are in materials science and engineering of thin
film oxides.
Date: Monday, February 2, 2015
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: ARMS B071