MSE Seminar: Synthesis and Characterization of Metal and Ceramic Nano Multilayers

Abstract: Nano multilayers (NMs) consist of alternating layers of materials with thicknesses on the order of nanometers and typically display many attractive properties, which are attributed to the fact that, as the layer thicknesses decrease, the individual layer behavior changes and the interface volume increases. The overall goal of this study is to synthesize and characterize systems of nanostructured multilayers, leveraging nanoscale features to enhance properties and function. To address this, samples having a wide range of composition and layer thicknesses were synthesized via DC/RF and reactive magnetron sputtering. Multilayer configurations of metal/metal, ceramic/metal and ceramic/ceramic systems were designed as model systems for either optical optimization or thermal studies.

In this talk, a comprehensive microstructural evaluation of selected metal and ceramic multilayers are presented in order to elucidate on the role of their interfaces for properties and function. Several NMs configurations including SiO2/TiO2, AlN/SiO2, AlN/Ag, Cu/Nb, Mo/Au and Hf/Ti will be discussed. The role of bilayer thickness and composition are evaluated and related to final microstructure and behavior.

Bio: Andrea Hodge holds the Arthur B. Freeman Professorship in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, where she has a joint appointment in the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. A member of the faculty since 2007, Hodge specializes in research on nanomechanics and supervises the Hodge Materials Nanotechnology Research Group. She has extensively studied the mechanical behavior of engineered materials at the nano- and micro- scale. In recognition of her innovative research, Hodge has received a number of significant honors, including the Young Leader Award from the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Excellence in Publication Award, the Young Faculty Award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a Young Investigator Program award from the Office of Naval Research, a National Science Foundation (NSF) BRIDGE Award, and an NSF CAREER award.

Hodge earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her doctorate in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University. She was a postdoctoral fellow and subsequently a staff scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before joining the faculty at USC.