Welcome to the website of David McIlroy's research group.
Research Foci and Philosophy: Our group studies nanoscale phenomena. This is a common area of condensed matter physics that spans a large swath of the landscape. Within this broad area we focus on zero and one dimensional nanomaterials and combinations thereof. We are interested in the surface properties, electronic and optical properties of these nanomaterials. To specialize in nanoscale phenomena dictates that we split our efforts between basic and applied research, and not necessarily in that order. We have found that as we pursue an application of our materials we often uncover behavior that is basic nature, thereby leading to new directions of basic research. Similarly, pursuit of basic research problems produce outcomes that lead to applied projects.
Current Research Projects:
Research Topics:
- Nonlinear Optics: Surface Plasmon Polaritons, THz Electro-optics
- Nanomaterials: Nanosprings, Nanowires, Metallic Nanoparticles and Hybrid (zero-D and 1D) Nanostructures
- Gas interactions at the Surfaces of Nanomaterials
- Catalytic Properties and Applications of Hybrid Nanostructures
- Conductivity and Photoconductivity of Transport of Individual 1D and Hybrid Nanostructures
- Chemical Sensors Constructed with Hybrid Nanostructures
- Hydrogen Storage by Nanosprings
- Carbon Coated Nanosprings for Electrodes
Group History
We are best known for our work on nanosprings, where my lab has successfully created boron carbide, silicon carbide, and silica nanosprings. In the case of boron carbide and silicon carbide nanosprings the sample will consist nanosprings dispersed in a sea of nanowires. In contrast, the silica nanosprings are produced at ~350 C, at atmospheric conditions, and only takes 15-30 minutes start to finish. This process produces 100% nanosprings every time!
Experimental Capabilities in McIlroy's Lab:
- X-ray and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy ( Dual anode X-ray source, UV lamp, hemispherical electron energy analyzer, electron flood gun, e-beam sample heating, 77K and 15K temperature capabilities, and Ar sputter gun)
- J.A. Woollam Ellipsometry
- Atomic Force Microscopy
- Electronic/Optoelectronic Microprobe/Microscope Test Station
Materials Synthesis Capabilities:
- Nanospring Growth Systems (Three)
- Atomic Layer Deposition (Two for metal oxides and another for GaN)
- Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (Primarily for Au nanoparticle coating of 1D nanostructures)
- Dual Target Sputter Deposition System
Professor David McIlroy's Research Group
- McIlroy's Minions
- Nanosprings
- Silica Nanosprings
- Bone Prosthetics Utilizing Nanospring-based Interface
- Gas Interactions at the Surface of Nanomaterials
- GUITAR Nanosprings
- Hydrogen Storage by Nanosprings
- Nanospring-Based Chemical Sensors
- Single Nanowire Conductivity and Photoconductivity
- Superhydrophobic Silica Nanospring Surface Video
- Atomic Layer Deposition
- Memristor and Neuromorphic Materials
- Physics Art Showcase
- Group Publications