Positions for Grinnell undergraduate students:
Interested students should talk to me (Prof. Burson) directly about their interests and ask about getting involved! There are no pre-requisites to join the lab, only interest, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn. Check out the specific project descriptions below and the ways to join the lab (and their respective timelines):
1. Semester Research Experience
About: Semester research can be pursued through a semester mentored advanced project (PHY 499), directed research (PHY 399/299), or guided reading (PHY 297). Typically, I offer 2-4 positions during the term.
Timeline: Interested students should contact Professor Burson during or before the course registration period in the preceding semester. For fall term, preference will be given to continuing summer MAP students.
2. Summer Mentored Advanced Projects (MAP)
About: Summer Research internships are full-time paid positions lasting 10 weeks during the summer months. You can find more information about MAPs here (Grinnell College info) and here (Science Division info). Look under “Science Division Project Descriptions” to read about my current projects and those of other faculty in our division.
Timeline: Positions are advertised in January/February at the physics summer research session. The best place to find information about the application and deadlines is the Science Division page, as there is a standard application for our division. Offers are extended sometime during the Spring semester. Preference may be given to students with previous experience in the Burson lab.
Current Projects
Quartz Surface Structure
Quartz has been the subject of many studies related to medicine (silicosis, cancer), technological devices (gate dielectric, sensing), and chemical applications. These applications can benefit from tailored surface structures. High temperature preparations can lead to a novel giant surface reconstruction with smooth flat terraces while chemical approaches can lead to textured surfaces with etch pits. Yet, the precise effects of different cleaning procedures on surface structures at the nanoscale require further exploration. In this project, students will pursue a detailed characterization of the surface, correlated with typical preparation approaches for this extensively used material. Students will learn how to use the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and perform measurements and analysis for quartz samples. The ultimate goals is to inform the design of studies involving quartz across multiple disciplines.
Organic Photovoltaics
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c01286
Organic molecules offer a cheap, flexible alternative to traditional silicon-based photovoltaics. This project seeks to understand the relationship between the spatially inhomogeneous structure of these devices and their efficiencies. In order to target the electronic impact of spatial inhomogeneity, this project seeks to map out the local conductance of organic photovoltaic samples using conductive-atomic force microscopy (AFM). Students will learn how to use the AFM and perform measurements and analysis for organic photovoltaics samples.