CAREER: Thermodynamic and kinetic approaches for epitaxial material systems

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

Margetis DMS-0847587 The investigator focuses on research and education goals at the crossroads of mathematics with materials science and physics. This research links macroscopic principles for crystal interfacial phenomena to microscale processes. The physical mechanisms are described by discrete "particle" schemes for atomic line defects. However, mesoscopic and macroscopic consequences are best understood via continuous models. Linkages between models are sought by kinetic theory, partial differential equations, and stochastic analysis. The education part includes the training of a graduate student, development of innovative courses in applied mathematics, activities for mathematics awareness and outreach, authorship of a book on integral equations, and organization of working group seminars. The project addresses fundamental issues in nanotechnology and materials modeling. The investigator uses tools of applied mathematics to study systematically how nano-structures decay on surfaces of technologically important materials. This work is motivated by the pressing need to design increasingly smaller and faster, yet more reliable, devices. The proposed work advances the ability to model and predict by theoretical methods the reliability of devices for the next generation of applications in microelectronics and information technology. The project integrates research and education: Interdisciplinary concepts of applied mathematics are shaped into instruction tools that reach out to students and science experts in diverse areas. This Career award is supported by the MPS Division of Mathematical Sciences and by the MPS Division of Materials Research.