Current Project

Project: MOE Tier 2 ARC 1/19 RSR

$ 831,276.00

Abstract: The recent trend of 3D ultra-large-scale-integration where various systems are stacked on single IC and are interconnected with copper wires suffer from unwanted resistive and inductive losses. To overcome this issue, the implementation of wireless interconnects on 3D IC is much required solution. Nanoscale and broad-range frequency tunable Spin Hall Nano-Oscillators (SHNO) are most suitable candidates for these wireless interconnects for chip to chip wireless communication which also offers the strong compatibility with standard CMOS processing and technology. However, low output power of SHNOs still remain an open challenge. The maximum output power of SHNO is in mW range and needs to be improved to sub-mW range for chip to chip wireless communications. The key target of the project is to improve output power in the array of SHNOs by phase lock scheme using spin Hall effect and Inverse spin Hall effect in high spin-Hall materials like Pt, W and Ta. In this project, we will focus on (i) Design, fabrication and optimization of PMA based Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) with large MR ratio at low temperature < 300 °C, (ii) Charge to spin conversion in spin-Hall material (Pt/Ta/W) thin film and its integration in single SHNO, and (iii) Realization of high output power and high quality factor in PMA based phase-locked SHNOs array device.

Duration: 5 Years

Role: Principal Investigator

$5.7Million

Neuromorphic computing (NC) mimics the functions of the brain using a network of synthetic neurons interconnected through synaptic devices. NC is gaining attention worldwide due to its potential for AI and big data analysis at low power. The research objectives of this programme will be aligned towards developing spin-orbit coupling based NC hardware elements, such as synthetic neurons and synaptic elements and integrating them into NC architecture for technology translation. In this proposed programme, our research and development will focus on the physics, materials science and device aspects of scalable and enduring synthetic neurons and synaptic elements based on spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and demonstration and technology translation of low-power neuromorphic computing.

Project: NIE RS-SAA RS 6/18 RSR

$120,000

Abstract: A plasma, as compared to solid, liquid or gaseous precursors, comprises of different precursor species (molecules, atoms, and radicals) in a large number of different energetic states (ionized, excited, metastables, and ground states). The basic premise of “nanoscale plasma engineering” is that these plasma precursors can be produced, transported and self-organized to assemble/process nano-phase materials with desired chemical and physical properties that are useful for applications in energy storage/conversion and spintronics. Plasmas feature a higher degree of complexity thus allowing nanoscale synthesis, efficient doping by simple mixing of plasma precursors or by post deposition plasma treatment, defect engineering and surface nano-structuring by imping ions and plasma sheath accelerated energetic electrons. We have demonstrated fcc to fct phase transition in FePt and nitrogen ion implantation in ZnO by energetic hot dense plasma exposure for spintronics applications and plasma as tool to engineer defects, surface texturing, and doping of catalysts to achieve enhanced performance in energy conversion and storage applications. In this project, we will synthesize (i) porous nanoassemblies of hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER / OER) energy conversion materials, (ii) carbon nanomaterial supported nanoassemblies for Li and Na ion energy storage materials, and (iii) high-energy ion implanted and hot plasma processed spin-Hall materials; using different types of non-equilibrium plasmas that include RF plasmas and high energy density pinch plasmas. In order to understand plasma-surface interactions and the role of plasma in nucleation and growth, plasma diagnostics such as optical emission spectroscopy, Langmuir probe, plasma imaging etc will be employed to measure many possible plasma parameters such as plasma species, densities and temperatures. Efforts will be dedicated to develop and optimize these plasma based strategies to keep the nano-assembly synthesis to be at mild temperatures (room temperature or at least <100 °C), relatively fast (from several tens of seconds to few minutes) and for large surface area (of about 10 cm2) nanomaterial synthesis.[/bg_collapse]

Project: MOE Tier 2 ARC 1/17 RSR MOE2017-T2-2-129

$697848.00

Abstract:Pure spin current offers advantages of reduced power dissipation, absence of stray Oersted fields, and decoupling of spin and charge noise; making them highly suitable for magnetization direction manipulation (write operation) in spin transfer torque – magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) technology. Current charge to spin conversion methods have limitations. For example (i) method using exchanged coupled magnetic layer in magnetic tunnel junction suffers from very high current density (106 A/cm2) requirement, (ii) Spin Hall Effect (SHE) method in heavy metal shows limited (<33%) conversion efficiency and (iii) the orthogonal locking of electrons’ momentum and spin in topological insulators suffers from reproducibility issues. To explore innovative scheme based on Rashba Effect along with development of new material hetero interfaces, which can generate very high spin current with nearly 100% charge to spin efficiency by achieving large spin orbit interaction, needed for reliable low power magnetization switching. Large spin orbit interaction and correspondingly higher charge to spin interconversion efficiency can be achieved by appropriately designing the Rashba hetero interface along with additional control using external electric field. We will focus on (i) Rashba interface design using metal decorated graphene on epitaxial YIG/GGG system to achieve tunable spin-orbit coupling using external electric field, (ii) charge to spin interconversion efficiency measurement – using spin torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) technique and spin-pumping through inverse Rashba Edelstein effect (IREE), and (iii) realization of magnetization Switching in magnetic layer of the fabricated device.

Duration: Four Years (7 May 2018 to 6 May 2022)

Role: Principal Investigator

IAEA

Euro 40,000.00

Abstract: The collaborative education, training and research have been demonstrated to have far-reaching impact and influence on scientific manpower training, technology transfer and strong research output. This has been demonstrated amply by training and collaborative activities of Asian African Association for Plasma Training (AAAPT) a group of 52 member institutes in 24 different countries. The AAAPT developed its plasma education and training programme using 3 kJ UNU/ICTP PPF (United Nations University/International Centre for Theoretical Physics Plasma Fusion Facility) specially designed for that purpose. The UNU-ICTP type PPFs, developed under AAAPT training programs, are now actively operated in several Asian and African countries and research on it has produced more than 40 PhD theses, 50 Masters theses and 400 peer reviewed research papers. A lot more needs to be done as there are several research groups in developing countries who are keen to initiate plasma fusion research using small and medium sized alternative magnetic confinement devices and they certainly are looking for opportunities for training on more updated device and diagnostics technologies. Through this CRP we wish to contribute towards that. The major aim of this CRP therefore is this project is to promote and strengthen the fusion-relevant experimental plasma education and expertise development in developing countries and research groups participating in this CRP through hands-on training and research on medium-sized mid-energy plasma focus device using array of plasma and nuclear diagnostics and material characterization techniques.
We will develop few specialized training and research modules (T&R Modules) centered around five different specialized themes for trainees with different needs. The proposed T&R Modules are as follows.
(i) T&R Module 1 – Theoretical, simulation (Lee Code) and experimental training on plasma focus device.
(ii) T&R Module 2 – Soft and Hard X-ray diagnostics training and research.
(iii) T&R Module 3 – Deuteron and Neutron diagnostics training and research.
(iv) T&R Module 4 – Optical diagnostics training and research.
(v) T&R Module 5 – Material irradiation, synthesis and characterization training and research.
These training programmes/modules can be organized independently or in combinations. For person/trainee with no background but having interest and financial backing from home university/institute in starting fusion-relevant research using plasma focus device, the basic T&R Module 1 will be conducted. While, those who already have basic ongoing research on plasma focus devices but wish to expand their research capabilities then they can work with us on T&R Modules 2 to 5. At this stage is difficult to predict who will be the trainee and which T&R Module will run under this CRP as we would like to run those modules which will be requested by more trainee or fit our on-going experimental campaign at that point of time. We would like to highlight that each training module will be focused around a research question which can be addressed alongside the training. Hence, the training will be targeted to achieve the answer to a particular research question to make the training more productive and meaningful.

Duration: Three years (1 March 2018 – 28 Feb 2021)
Role: Co-Principle Investigator
Project: MOE/NTU Tier 1 (2017-T1-002-087), $150,000

Duration: Three Years (15 Nov 2017 to 14-Nov-2020)
Role: Co-Principle Investigator
Project: MOE-Tier 2 (MOE-2017-T2-1-073), $554,623

Duration: 2 Yrs (9 May 2017 – 8 May 2019)Principal Investigator

Funds: $93,239.00

Project:NIE AcRF
RI 4/16 RSR

Abstract:Many types of energy resources store energy directly into them which can be used when required e.g. energy stored in coal, oil and gas can be extracted when needed. But in many situations we do not have the control over the availability of energy as they are intermittently available, particularly for renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, tidal, hydroelectric energy. If we do not store these energies they will be wasted. There are several methods of energy storage among which electrochemical energy storage (EES) methods/systems have received considerable attention to store these intermittent renewable energy. The EES systems are not only for energy storage but also capable of delivering the easily transportable energy in portable devices such as cell phones, laptops, vehicles, electrical vehicles etc. In this grant proposal our major objective is to develop energy efficient and environmentally friendly low temperature plasma chemistry based sustainable synthesis of highly porous vertical graphene based nanostructured hybrid assemblies for high-performance high-efficiency energy storage applications in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). The project will focus on (i) sustainable and efficient synthesis of vertically-oriented graphene nano-sheets (VGNS) using various environmentally-friendly precursors at lower temperatures using novel plasma chemistry; (ii) synthesis of highly-porous nanostructured hybrid assemblies of ActMat@VGNS by loading ultra-thin nanostructured active materials (ActMat) such as silicon, MoS2, NiO etc. on the surface of vertically-oriented graphene nano-sheets, and (iii) evaluate and optimize the electrochemical performance of Si@VGNS and other hybrid assemblies (ActMat@VGNS) in LIBs and SCs configurations with an aim to achieve highest possible specific capacity/capacitance along with enhanced cyclic stability and rate capability. This research is highly timely as there is increasing emphasis and need in developing energy and resource efficient strategies to reduce the carbon footprint along with the use of sustainable resources. The proposal is highly relevant to NSSE/NIE’s goals and directions to further strengthen the ongoing research and teaching of “Clean Energy Physics” in M.Sc. (Life Science) Clean Energy Physics and is also in line with national and global emphasis on research related to various aspects of clean and green energy. The project will aim to train 1 Research Associate, 1 PhD, 1 MSc and few FYP and NRP students on clean energy related research with competency and expertise in interdisciplinary field of vacuum science, plasma science, chemical synthesis of nanomaterials, hybrid materials, diagnostics and characterization plasmas and materials; and fabrication and characterization of energy storage devices such as LIBs and SCs.