• Cluster Requirements
• Cluster Curriculum

Hierarchical materials exhibit functional structures on multiple length scales- from the nano to the macro. Biology provides well known examples including bone, wood, and the mollusk shell. New artificial hierarchical materials underpin revolutionary advances in technologies as diverse as solar energy conversion, microwave communications, and thermoelectric power generation. The science behind these technologies spans multiple disciplines, which creates challenges for the traditional departmental training of students.

The objective of the cluster program in Hierarchical Materials is to provide new opportunities for cross-disciplinary student research and training by integrating the strengths of the Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry departments in nanostructured materials research with the strengths of the Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering departments in the measurement and modeling of physical properties. 

Three themes provide the intellectual foundation of the program:

1. Synthesis and Processing
2. Multi-scale Imaging and Characterization
3. Multi-scale Modeling and Analysis

Cluster themes are explored through coursework, program activities, and research.  Cluster students pursue multi-disciplinary Ph.D. research projects that include a range of activities such as:                      

Synthesis and Processing

• Synthesis and assembly of semiconductor nanocrystals, nanowires, and carbon nanotubes
• Nanofabrication of patterned thin films for photonics and plasmonics
• Synthesis of novel thermoelectric materials
• Nanopatterning of functional oxides

Multi-Scale Imaging and Characterization

• Scanning tunneling microscopy
• Atomic force microscopy and near-field scanning optical microscopy
• Advanced electron microscopy and tomography
• Surface-sensitive spectroscopy

Multi-scale Modeling and Analysis

• Finite-difference time domain simulations
• Density functional theory
• Multi-scale mechanical modeling

Faculty

The primary appointment for those faculty with joint or affiliate status in another program is noted in parentheses.