Page 21 - CFM_Newsletter_CY22

A century of spin: The centennial of the Stern - Gerlach Experiment

Dr. Harmon, Coastal Carolina University, May 25 th

Dr. Harmon, faculty, Coastal Carolina University, dealt with historical overview of
the discovery of spin in 1922 and presented some of the early debates surrounding
the Stern-Gerlach effect on electrons in his talk. Dr. Harmon received his PhD in
Physics from The Ohio State University in 2010. He spent several years at the
University of Iowa as a post-doc and research scientist in theoretical condensed
matter physics before and spent three years at the University of Evansville before
joining the faculty of Coastal Carolina University in the Fall of 2021.Dr. Harmon’s
research focuses on utilization of electron spin for a variety of applications: new
magnetic memories, new methods of defect identification in electronic devices,
and using paramagnetic defects for quantum sensing of magnetic and electric
fields. The Stern-Gerlach effect can be observed in solid state systems to produce
spin and charge currents. He concluded his talk with the interpretation of how defect spins are attractive
candidates for quantum sensing applications.

Nanostructured films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

th
Dr. Ajay Kumar Kushwaha, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, June 29
Dr. Ajay Kumar Kushwaha, Assistant Professor, Department of Metallurgy
Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS), Center for Advanced Electronics
(CAE), Center of Futuristic Defense and Space Technology (CFDST), Indian
Institute of Technology Indore delivered a talk on the Nanostructured films for
Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Due to its high energy density per mass
and environmental friendliness, hydrogen is becoming more popular fuel. As a
result, solar-driven water splitting has demonstrated tremendous potential in the
area of research for cleaner hydrogen production. However, there are still many
attempts being made worldwide to design and synthesize suitable materials for
solar-driven water splitting. Dr. Kushwaha discussed these issues with some
possible steps to develop a highly efficient materials. He explained the role of
nanorod based photoelectrodes as a very crucial part in designing a better performing material. He also
discussed the limitations in harvesting the wider spectrum of solar energy, which is hindering the
performance of the metal oxide nanorod based photoanode. He suggested the surface modification of these
nanorod as a method to improve the light harvesting capability and which further leads to better
performance in solar driven water splitting.

CFM Newsletter Jan. – Dec. 2022 21 Vol – 2