MSE 298 Seminar Lecture (Zoom): Making Films in LA Starring Nano- and Micro-structures

Zoom: Meeting ID 995 8022 3426, Password 587901

Abstract: Nano multilayers (NMs) films 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. In this presentation, I will show how to synthesize and characterize systems of nanostructured multilayers, leveraging nanoscale features to enhance properties and function. To address this, samples with 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. 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 of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. She received her doctorate in materials science from Northwestern University, in 2002. Hodge served as the vice provost for undergraduate programs at USC from July 2016 to June 2020. She is currently co-director for the Core Center of Excellence in Nano Imaging and chair of the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Department. She joined USC as an assistant professor in 2007 and has co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications and two book chapters. Hodge is the recipient of several prestigious research awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, ONR Young Investigator Program Award and DARPA Young Faculty Award. Her mentoring and teaching awards such as the Hanna Reisler Mentoring Award (2018) and the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Julia and Johannes Weertman Educator Award (2020) speak to her broad educational impact and commitment to serving students.