My research involves the construction of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to be used in conjunction with a home-made confocal microscope. The ultimate goal is to investigate the quantum-optical and electronic properties 2-d semiconductor materials and carbon nanotubes at cryogenic (liquid-He) temperatures. In addition, I am also investigating the phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation in carbon nanotubes located within a cavity at cryogenic temperatures. My research also involves the use of Python for hardware control and MATLAB for data analysis.

Project Goal: Project was part funded by the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology to study the optical properties of collodial quantum dots by using novel microcavities developed within the group. As well as providing a deeper understanding of the properties of quantum dots, potential applications of the work include miniaturised tunable lasers for on-chip integration and display technologies as well as highly sensitive chemical sensors.The research also involved simulation of lasing dynamics of colloidal quantum dots using MATLAB.Specialties: Alignment of optical systems, pulsed and CW laser systems, Semiconductor Quantum dots, Confocal Microscopy, Pump-probe spectroscopy

Task involved using LABVIEW to build a programme that would locate the arcs caused in the radio-frequency transmission lines which are used to deliver high frequency radio waves to heat up the plasma using highly sensitive accelerometers to the detect the vibrations.