1999 Summer Research Faculty-Student Team

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Dr. Phillip Gloor and Jacob Sutherland

Phillip Gloor is a professor in the Department of Physics at St. Olaf College.
Jake Sutherland is a junior majoring in Physics and Mathematics at St. Olaf.

Jacob Sutherland and Dr. Phillip Gloor
St. Olaf College

Christopher Palmstrøm
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota

Working directly with a team of graduate students, we assisted in the preparation of novel semiconductor samples with ferromagnetic contacts for spin injection devices. A range of characterization techniques including x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering, and Atomic Force Microscopy. Magnetic property measurements relied on a Vibration Sample Magnatometer, Magnetic Force Microscopy, and the magneto-optic Kerr effect. Current-voltage and capacitance-voltage measurements of these diodes was used to determine the electric properties. Emphasis was placed on photolithography and diode construction, along with the construction and maintenance of ultra high vacuum (UHV) equipment in the lab. Short term projects have included construction an in situ (in vacuum) Schottky barrier height measuring system and vibration detection and isolation of key UHV equipment in preparation for installation of an in situ Scanning Tunneling Microscope Atomic Force Microscope device.