Pedro Barrera Email & Phone Number

Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States

University Of California-Santa Barbara, California, United States

Engineering solubility of La-doped Sr2IrO4 for superconductivity via optimization high-pressure Laser Floating ZoneStrontium iridate (Sr2IrO4) is a close relative of lanthanum cuprate (La2CuO4), a well-studied material which, given extra electronic carriers via doping, becomes a high-temperature superconductor. Sr2IrO4 has been predicted to behave similarly, though existing growth methods are not capable of achieving the doping levels needed to observe any potential superconductivity. Recently, our group has demonstrated the use of a novel laser-based, high-pressure floating zone furnace to successfully grow high-quality crystals of undoped Sr2IrO4 under high partial pressures of O2 and Ar. The primary aim of this study is to apply this method to grow crystals of Sr2IrO4 doped with La, as it allows us to access higher growth temperatures that should promote the solubility of La. Here we show that growth parameters such as input stoichiometry, laser power, total pressure, oxygen partial pressure, and growth/mixing speeds have a profound impact on the composition and microstructure of the resulting crystal. We utilize X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to correlate growth parameters to crystal quality. To confirm how the La content affects the magnetic and electronic properties, we present magnetometry and resistivity measurements which suggest that this growth technique allows for finer control over the doping level compared to previously reported results. These results demonstrate the advantage of the high-pressure floating zone technique in the pursuit of high quality quantum materials, and continued work may in fact break the solubility limit previously observed in La-doped Sr2IrO4 and potentially realize a new family of unconventional superconducting materials.

Isla Vista, California, United States

Oversee the condition of the library. Report and call corresponding department for the internal structure of the library. Monitor the Late Night Shift of the library so that users respect and maintain an environment where people have the same opportunities and resources of the library.

University Of California-Santa Barbara, California, United States

An 8-week ( intensive research program with Center for Science and engineering Partnership (CSEP) program under Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). As an undergrad research assistant in the Material Research Laboratory at UCSB. Focused on Thermogravimetric Analysis (Instrument: TGA 5500) of inorganic/ metallic materials.

Los Angeles, California, United States

Welded fences, doors, handrails, emergency ladders, and any custom requests. Custom requests included: door knob installations, simple locks, paint jobs, etc.As well as trash removal

University Of California-Santa Barbara, California, United States

involved a fair amount of customer service with other students. worked as a server, prepared ingredients for chefs, or cleaned the dining commons.monitored and maintained the drink bar. obtained a small position as a late-night chef.