CRISP: Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena @ Yale University
The mission of the Center for Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP) is to carry out collaborative, multifaceted research on the composition, structure, properties and potential applications of solid–solid and solid–gas interfaces. The focus of the Center is complex oxide interfaces. We are fortunate to have assembled an outstanding cadre of research experts in this area, with skills that include epitaxial growth, atomic-scale characterization, electronic and magnetic properties, device fabrication, and theory and computation. We will have access to all of the experimental techniques required for the proposed studies through existing facilities at Yale, BNL and SCSU. This includes the unique capability, under construction at Yale, of dynamic force imaging, a scanning probe technique that can image non-conducting oxide surfaces with atomic resolution. Most significantly, we choose to focus on complex oxide interfaces because of the wealth of new science and new applications they offer. For example, we have already shown that at oxide–ferroelectric interfaces, penetration of the electric field into the oxide can dramatically change electronic properties in controllable ways. We will explore new manifestations of this effect, uncover the underlying mechanisms, and evaluate possible chemical, magnetic and electronic applications. We will exploit our demonstrated ability to produce and switch tiny ferroelectric domains to achieve nanoscale patterns of desired electronic or surface chemical behavior. In all of these studies we will evaluate possible applications in areas such as magnetic storage, “spintronics”, chemical sensing and electronic devices.
We will use materials science as a vehicle for enhanced scientific literacy fromkindergarten through post-graduate levels. Outreach includes public lectures, interactive museum displays, and science courses for humanities majors. The educational outreach goals of the Center include providing research experiences to local high-school teachers engaged in SCSU's Master in Science Education program, as well as extending research opportunities to undergraduates. In addition, the Center will stimulate students to become science majors, especially those from under-represented populations, and will increase the science literacy of future political leaders. The outreach is a coordinated effort involving Yale and two demographically diverse institutions, the New Haven school system and SCSU, a metropolitan comprehensive institution specializing in teacher education.
CRISP will serve to nucleate the diverse efforts on campus in the areas of materials science and engineering. In addition, the facilities and infrastructure to be developed and maintained will greatly enhance the research of other faculty and external users. Knowledge and expertise of potential technological importance will be shared or transferred seamlessly to industrial and national laboratory partners. CRISP will provide a stimulating, interdisciplinary atmosphere for students and faculty. Furthermore, it will enhance the research experience for Yale and SCSU undergraduates and enrich the SCSU Masters program in science teaching. Finally, our outreach programs will directly impact K-12 and college students, especially those from under-represented populations, through summer research, museum exhibits, and secondary school teacher involvement.
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Yale University; 225 Prospect Street; SCL 242, P. O. Box 208107; New Haven, CT 06520-8107
Website
Tel: (203) 432-3934
Fax: (203) 432-6144
