Student Research Projects Dr. C. C. Coleman     Students can contribute and learn at many different levels of participation and can be involved with learning various techniques. No prior knowledge is necessary. Learning is on the job. At most times there are some twelve students working on various aspects of projects in the area of experimental optical properties of condensed matter, particularly as applied to solar cell materials and devices. This means that often several students work on a project as a team where they can each supply their particular talents toward a common goal.
    Over fifty students working on these projects have been co-authors on published research papers. Numerous students have made presentations at national meetings. Two of the students have taken first place in the CSU state-wide competition on undergraduate research. This research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and NATO. This work is carried out in collaboration with the CSULA Department of Chemistry and with UCLA, Cambridge University (England) and the Daresbury Synchrotron Light Source (England).
    Some individual techniques available in student research include

UV optics system design and construction
visible optical system operation
computer control of equipment using Basic, C++ and Lab View.
vapor reaction crystal growth
nanocrystal growth in gels
x-ray structural analysis
thin film evaporation
glove box operation
air sensitive sample handling
vacuum systems
backscattering analysis using 4 MeV accelerator
low temperature cryogenic systems
theoretical optical relations (Kramers Kronig relations)

Particular experiments under development involve studies looking for more sensitive solar cells and testing the quantum particle-in-a-box model with a system destined to be a useful far infra-red detector. Some of these experiments are:

optical band gap
photoconductivity
photoimaging
intercalation
X-ray structure
magnetic thin films
thin films optics
growth parameters
sample preparation for use on the synchrotron light source, England

Syllabus for Individual research projects with Dr. C. C. Coleman

1. Individual projects will be assigned in accordance with the needs of both the student and the research director

2. The student is generally a member of a larger group although this is not necessary.

3. Grading will be based on

a. Participation 50%

b. Experimental lob book. This is a dated concurrent record of what the student has performed in connection with the project. The log book is to be left with the director when the project is finished, thereby providing continuity for following students. The student may want to keep their own record of their work. The log book should be clear enough so that another person could use it to write a report. 30%

c. Attendance at weekly meetings with the director on a tutorial basis. 10%

d. A half page review of what the student has accomplished is due the last day of classes of the quarter. 10%