Degree and Student Projects

Tuning Magnetic Behaviour with Electrochemistry

Magnetic thin films are important components of many computational devices, from sensors to hard drives. The idea of spin-based electronics (“spintronics”) has attracted a lot of interest as the flow of information through spin could reduce the current needed for many computational devices. In particular the use of electric fields to manipulate magnetic information has drawn a large amount of interest. One way to do this is through electrochemistry: controlling a reaction via an applied voltage to change the chemical state of the material.

Project goals and learning outcomes

The goal of this project is to investigate voltage-driven hydrogen loading in magnetic thin films. You will use electrochemical means to investigate the loading behaviour, making use of the unique Tandem facility to derive information about the hydrogen content. You will then measure a number of magnetic properties to determine the effectiveness of hydrogen as a tuning element for these films.

• Develop skills relevant to characterizing thin films
• Learn about magnetic materials and how to investigate their behaviour
• Evaluate the effectiveness of hydrogen in tuning spintronic properties
• Write a report summarizing the results and conclusions of the work

This project is suitable for Bachelor’s or Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.

For more information please contact: Robbie Hunt

A novel approach for embedding single atoms into 2D materials

By precisely embedding individual atoms within 2D materials like graphene or transition metal dichalcogenides, researchers can tailor the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of these materials at the atomic level. This technique opens up new possibilities for advanced applications in electronics, catalysis, and quantum computing, providing a pathway to engineer materials with unprecedented precision. However, conventional methods, such as ion implantation, face challenges in incorporating foreign atoms into 2D materials in a controlled manner. In this project, we aim to develop a novel method that effectively embeds individual atoms into 2D membranes using ion irradiation and electron beam evaporation within an ultra-high vacuum system.

Participants in the project will:

• Explore a novel method for incorporating single atoms into graphene using ion irradiation and electron beam evaporation in ultra-high vacuum systems at the Tandem Laboratory.
• Starting with nanometre clusters of atoms, the sizes of the clusters are ultimately scaled down to the atomic level in a controlled manner.
• Characterize the embedded atoms from the nanometre to the atomic level using advanced methods such as electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and nuclear microprobe.
• Study thermodynamic properties of the embedded atoms at elevated temperature.

Desired qualifications/experience

• Basic knowledge in thin film synthesis, ion implantation, thermal treatment and vacuum systems.
• Basic knowledge in ion-matter interactions, electron and ions scattering.

This project is ideal for Master’s students interested in nanoscience, solid-state physics, ion irradiation, and electron microscopy. Both project (15 credits) and thesis (30 credits) options are available.

For more information please contact: Tuan Tran

Experimental investigation of energy losses of energetic ions in matter

Accurate knowledge of how energetic charged particles lose energy in matter is crucial for understanding materials modification in extreme environments, developing precise characterization tools for materials using techniques such as ion beam analysis, and tailoring material properties through ion irradiation, implantation, and sputtering, all of which are widely used in both research and industry. Additionally, understanding energy loss per unit length for energetic protons is essential for accurately delivering doses in proton therapy, a critical tool in cancer treatment. In this project, you will experimentally and systematically investigate how energetic ions deposit energy in various materials. The unique set of particle accelerators and experimental setups at the Tandem Laboratory will be used for this purpose. Particular attention will be given to using light ions in different polymer and carbon-based materials, and you will compare your results with recent theoretical predictions.

Project goals and learning outcomes

• Understand the fundamentals of ion-matter interactions
• Develop skills with vacuum systems and particle accelerators
• Use energic ion beams for detailed materials characterization
• Enhance data analysis skills

This project is suitable for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.

For more information please contact: Eduardo Pitthan Filho

Synthesis of Self-Supporting Nano-Porous Membranes Using Microfabrication and Ion Irradiation

Our group has recently developed an efficient method for synthesizing large-scale nano-porous membranes by combining cleanroom microfabrication with ion irradiation. These materials hold significant potential for filtration applications in high-temperature and harsh environments. This project aims to deepen our understanding of membrane behaviours under varying irradiation conditions, such as ion energy and doses, to explore the formation mechanisms and potential applications of these porous structures.

Project participants will:

• Synthesize self-supporting membranes using Myfab micro-nano fabrication tools, including sputtering, photolithography, and chemical etching.
• Produce controlled porous structures using ion irradiation.
• Characterize the structures using electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and a nuclear microprobe (micro-beam Rutherford backscattering spectrometry).

Desired qualifications/experience:

• Basic knowledge in thin-film synthesis, ion implantation, thermal treatment and vacuum systems.
• Basic knowledge in ion-matter interactions, electron and ions scattering.

This project is ideal for Master’s students interested in nanoscience, solid-state physics, ion irradiation, and electron microscopy. Both project (15 credits) and thesis (30 credits) options are available.

For more information please contact: Tuan Tran

Advancing 2D materials as ultra-thin membranes for efficient purification of hydrogen

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, hydrogen is gaining attention as a promising alternative for powering a green economy. Its key advantages include high energy density, wide-ranging applications, and zero harmful emissions. However, challenges arise in producing and transporting high-purity hydrogen due to contamination by undesirable gases. Developing an efficient and cost-effective method for purifying hydrogen from gas streams is crucial for its widespread use as an energy source. In this project, we will explore a novel hydrogen filtering mechanism using 2-dimensional (2D) membranes. Additionally, we will establish a method to quantify hydrogen diffusion through these membranes using nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). The project will leverage national facilities, such as the Tandem Laboratory and the Myfab micro-nano fabrication facilities.

Participants in the project will:

• Develop a method for transferring graphene to a substrate using wet chemistry.
• Explore a new method for characterizing hydrogen diffusion using NRA.
• Characterize the 2D membranes from the nano to the atomic scale using electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and nuclear microprobe techniques.
• Study the thermodynamic behaviours of the membranes under thermal annealing.

Desired qualifications/experience:

• Basic knowledge on thin film synthesis, ion implantation, thermal treatment and vacuum systems.
• Basic knowledge on ion-matter interactions, electron and ions scattering.

This project is ideal for Master’s students interested in nanoscience, solid-state physics, ion irradiation, and electron microscopy. Both project (15 credits) and thesis (30 credits) options are available.

For more information please contact: Tuan Tran

Modifications of plasma-facing materials for fusion research

In future fusion reactors, modifications of Plasma Facing Materials (PFM) by interaction with the plasma are key processes that will limit performance, durability, and safety of these devices. Aiming to improve the understanding and predictability of materials modifications and its potential effects in future devices, laboratory-scale studies to investigate the formation and modification of PFM under reactor-relevant conditions will be performed here. In this project, you will use the unique national infrastructure Tandem Laboratory to experimentally investigate the formation and modification of relevant materials for fusion research using a set of ion beam techniques to obtain a detailed characterization of composition and atomic distribution.

Project goals and learning outcomes

• Develop skills with vacuum systems and thin film growth by sputter deposition
• Learn about fusion energy and materials research
• Use energic ion beams for detailed materials characterization
• Learn about materials modification and atomic transport processes

This project is suitable for Bachelor's and Master's students and can be adapted to cover 15-30 credits. The project is both suitable for thesis projects and shorter project courses.

For more information please contact: Eduardo Pitthan Filho

Volatile fission-product diffusion in reactor-fuel matrices

The diffusion of gaseous fission products such as Xe and Kr in nuclear fuel constitute significant performance and safety parameters for reactor operation. The study of diffusion behaviour in nuclear fuels is an experimental challenge however, both due to difficulties in adding gas species to the fuel matrix and in accessing techniques which can and monitor gas concentrations at low-length scales. The majority of diffusion parameters used for UO2 fuel performance analysis, have been derived either: from irradiated material measured in the plenum; or by gas release from the annealing of fuel samples. These methods suffer from the fact that bulk- and grain-boundary thermal and athermal diffusion, as well as radial and axial temperature-variation in the fuel, are highly approximated.

Project goal and work plan

The goal of this project is to study the thermal-induced diffusion of volatile elements in heavy sample matrices, by medium-energy ion implantation followed by ToF-ERDA (time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis). A particular emphasis is placed on finding developing appropriate models to fit the experimental data obtained. The project can be divided into the following key tasks:

• implanting volatile elements in samples, using the ion-implanter at the Tandem Laboratory;
• assessment of the implantations with ToF-ERDA, using the 5 MeV accelerator at the Tandem Laboratory, both before and after annealing;
• development of suitable diffusion models to fit the experimental data obtained.
• write a report summarizing the results and conclusion of the work.

Desired qualifications/experience

• good practical abilities;
• good programming skills;
• excellent skills in both written and spoken English;
• knowledge/training in Materials Physics will be advantageous.

Students seeking diploma-work projects at both Master and Bachelor level are encouraged to apply, as are students seeking project work for courses (but such projects must correspond to at least 15 credits). The possibility of paired or group work can be discussed.

For more information please contact: Robert Frost

Ultralow-energy ion implantation for the modification of 2D materials

Low-energy ions are becoming more frequently employed for near-surface modification of materials, in simulating the effect of the fusion plasma on structural components fusion devices, and in tailoring the electronic properties of 2D materials. The 10 keV ion implanter (LEION) is a new setup at the Tandem Laboratory to initiate studies on the above-mentioned topics. The ion source of LEION is capable of producing a range of ion species, extracted from or gaseous solid media, both light and heavy, and with variable charge state. Implantation can be made in, in principle, any material. The precise limitations of the setup are currently unknown and it is therefore vital that these are tested in a systematic manner.

Project goal and work plan

The project will consist of systematically testing the capabilities of LEION, by implanting a broad range of ions into both thick targets such as silicon, and thin targets such as graphene. The implantations will then be assessed by a range of analysis techniques. The project can be divided into the following key tasks:

• implantation of ions different ions, generated from both gases and solids;
• implantation into thick targets and 2D materials;
• analysis of the implanted materials using, for example, TEM, LEIS and uPIXE;
• propose and model optimisations to LEION based on the results obtained;
• to write a report summarising the results and conclusions of the work.

Desired qualifications/experience

• good practical abilities;
• an interest in both experimental work and modelling;
• excellent skills in both written and spoken English;
• knowledge/training in Accelerator Physics will be advantageous.

Students seeking diploma-work projects at both Master and Bachelor level are encouraged to apply, as are students seeking project work for courses (but such projects must correspond to at least 15 credits). The possibility of paired or group work can be discussed.

For more information please contact: Robert Frost

Simulation of target and moderator combinations for a compact accelerator-driven neutron source

The production of neutrons by accelerators began in the 1970s with construction of powerful proton accelerators to access neutrons via spallation. At the same time, low-energy driven neutron processes emerged for neutron production using electron accelerators, ion beam accelerators, cyclotrons, and low energy linear accelerators. This wide variety of neutron sources have come to be referred to as Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources (CANS). Due to research reactors within Europe undergoing shutdown, the European Spallation Source user program delayed until 2026 and other large-scale European facilities (ISIS, ILL and PSI) being heavily overbooked, there is currently a serious need for establishing additional neutron sources, especially in Scandinavia. It is believed that a CANS could fulfil this demand.

Project goal and work plan

The goal of this project is to perform preliminary simulation-work that will support the development of a CANS within Sweden. This work will take the form of developing target simulations to constrain possible design parameters, such as target material, beam energy and beam current. The project can be divided into the following key tasks:

• develop a simple CANS-target/moderator design in a Monte Carlo simulation package;
• run simulations for different target materials, primary-ions and beam energies;
• evaluate neutron production in terms of energy and flux;
• evaluate target heating, target damage and gamma-ray production;
• evaluate possible moderator designs and geometries;
• write a report summarising the results and conclusion of the work.

Desired qualifications/experience

• a strong interest in simulation;
• excellent skills in both written and spoken English;
• knowledge/training in Nuclear Physics will be advantageous.

Students seeking diploma-work projects at both Master and Bachelor level are encouraged to apply, as are students seeking project work for courses (but such projects must correspond to at least 15 credits). The possibility of paired or group work can be discussed.

For more information please contact: Robert Frost