Development of a novel pulsed laser deposition system for rare earth thin films
Date
2023-08
Authors
Rohde, Elizabeth Aubrey
Major Professor
Advisor
Napolitano, Ralph
Dalal, Vikram
Kramer, Matthew
Committee Member
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Abstract
Due to their unique magnetic, electronic, and optical properties rare earth materials have
been extensively studied for many years. However the properties of rare earth thin films have not
been as extensively explored due to the difficulty of manufacturing thin films of these highly
reactive materials. This thesis will discuss the development and testing of a Pulsed Laser
Deposition system capable of depositing multicomponent rare earth thin films. In addition it will
also explore the characterization of these films using equipment available at Iowa State University
as well as Ames Laboratory. The overarching aim is to extend Ames Laboratory’s already
extensive knowledge of rare earth behavior in bulk into low dimensional structures. The goal of
this thesis is to provide a benchmark test of functionality for the new deposition system as well as
pave the way for future work into the complexities of rare earth thin films.
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thesis