Illuminating Insight to Graphene and Vanadium-Dioxide via Raman Spectroscopy
Major
Physics
Second Major
Mathematics
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Physics
Faculty Advisor
Chris Rudnicki
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2024 11:15 AM
End Date
4-13-2024 12:30 PM
Abstract
Raman Spectroscopy is a common technique used in Physics and Chemistry to characterize materials. It allows us to gain a vast amount of information about a particular material without damaging or changing its properties in any way. Our aim is to use Raman Spectroscopy to analyze thin films of Graphene and Vanadium Dioxide. By shining a low power 532nm laser at a thin film sample, we can interact with the molecules and excite them into a so-called virtual energy state. This results in molecular vibrations i.e. phonons and using our spectrometer we can indirectly observe these interactions. Graphene is a 2D material with a well characterized Raman pattern that is of general interest for its wide range of practical applications from energy storage to its renowned flexibility and strength. The well characterized ratio between stokes and anti stokes peaks can be used to measure temperature of graphene. Vanadium Dioxide is also an interesting quasi 2D material. In its base state it is an insulator but when it absorbs a small amount of energy, its molecular crystal structure changes and it becomes a conductor. We would like to use Raman Spectroscopy to understand the changes that occur in the Vanadium Dioxide when it transitions from an insulator to a conductor.
Illuminating Insight to Graphene and Vanadium-Dioxide via Raman Spectroscopy
CNS Atrium
Raman Spectroscopy is a common technique used in Physics and Chemistry to characterize materials. It allows us to gain a vast amount of information about a particular material without damaging or changing its properties in any way. Our aim is to use Raman Spectroscopy to analyze thin films of Graphene and Vanadium Dioxide. By shining a low power 532nm laser at a thin film sample, we can interact with the molecules and excite them into a so-called virtual energy state. This results in molecular vibrations i.e. phonons and using our spectrometer we can indirectly observe these interactions. Graphene is a 2D material with a well characterized Raman pattern that is of general interest for its wide range of practical applications from energy storage to its renowned flexibility and strength. The well characterized ratio between stokes and anti stokes peaks can be used to measure temperature of graphene. Vanadium Dioxide is also an interesting quasi 2D material. In its base state it is an insulator but when it absorbs a small amount of energy, its molecular crystal structure changes and it becomes a conductor. We would like to use Raman Spectroscopy to understand the changes that occur in the Vanadium Dioxide when it transitions from an insulator to a conductor.