Research assistantship for fundamental studies in laser processing of metal oxides

John Leonard, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

A research assistantship in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is available to Ph.D. candidates with a strong interest in experimental and numerical modeling of pulsed laser melting and rapid solidification in metal oxide thin films.  In this exciting new area, you will prepare metal oxide thin films via sputtering or PLD, then subject them to high fluence nanosecond pulses to cause melting and resolidification.  Thin films present a unique micro-laboratory to explore the fundamentals of phase transformations in oxides under kinetically limited conditions, and to obtain non-equilibrium microstructures not available by any other technique.  A vital component of this effort will be the development of numerical models that treat these complex phenomena in 3-dimensions, which are then used to quantitatively assess the conditions occurring during rapid solidification experiments.

This is ideal for a student with a rare dual interest in computer modeling and also the experimental aspects of fundamental materials processes.  In addition you will actively assist in the development of a new departmental initiative in computer modeling, including (software-based) virtual experiments for lab courses, as well as involvement with other research groups.  Applicants should have a Bachelors degree in either Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science.  A strong interest in computer programming, materials modeling, heatflow, and atomistics is important.

Please direct correspondence and inquiries to Dr. J. Leonard, University of Pittsburgh, Materials Science and Engineering, jleonard@engr.pitt.edu