8/10/2009

In addition to my older work on chemical vapor deposition, I've co-developed the first chemical vapor deposition process for manganese nitrides. Manganese nitrides on their own have interesting magnetic properties, and can be co-deposited with gallium nitride to make magnetic semiconductors for spintronics applications. My research group collaborates with a chemistry group, and Chuck Spicer in the chemistry group made four new (out of only 25 known) two-coordinate late transition metal compounds, one with manganese. (The Mn and Fe molecules have interesting magnetic properties, and Professor Schulz did some Mössbauer measurements on them; Reiff et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 404-405) We collaborated on developing a way to make thin layers of manganese nitride from his new molecules and we got it to work. In the process, we also became a couple, and are getting married October 18 in Richmond, VA. I'm currently writing the last of my thesis and am defending September 10!

I'm going to try to schedule it such that I can attend Lave's seminar at homecoming - I'd love to hear more details about what she's doing and catch up with you guys!

Tess