<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>MONDAY MEMO</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> MONDAY MEMO, December 3, 2007     **************** 1. Announcements ****************   1.1:  NITROGEN SHUTDOWN, December 4, 8:00-11:00AM:  Nitrogen will be shut down to the following areas the BINDLEY Bioscience Center building and BIRCK Nanotechnology laboratories 10XX and 20XX.  This is the nitrogen gaseous distribution piping only and not the liquid nitrogen system. Please Mark Voorhis, if you have any issues or concerns, mvoorhis@purdue.edu, 43036, Cell: (765) 427-0475   1.2:  CARRY IN! All invited and welcomed to attend:  Thursday, Decmeber 6, 11:30, Birck Atrium.  Please bring a dish to share or drinks; tableware will be provided.  Expect a secret visitor(s), too!   1.3:  Blood Borne Pathogen Training, Friday, 12.07, 3:00PM, BRK 1099.   1.4:  STUDENTS GRADUATING?  Please let Deborah know so that she may note vacancies and make new assignments as faculty requests are submitted.   1.5:  Announcements for Snow Recess and Severe Weather Emergency:  This message regarding Announcements for Snow Recess and Severe Weather Emergency is being sent on behalf of Joe Mikesell, Interim Vice President for Physical Facilities.  Please direct questions or comments to him at 48000, or to Diane Coates at 46359. The PDF document may be found here: <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf">http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf</a> <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf"><http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf></a>  <<a href="http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf">http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf</a> <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf"><http://www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/pdf/SnowRecess_2007-08.pdf></a> >   **************** 2. Seminars ****************   2.1:  Monday, December 3, 2007, 2:30PM, POTR 234 – Fu Room: “Lectures on molecular dynamics modeling of materials,” by Alejandro Strachan ABSTRACT:  Molecular dynamics simulations are playing an increasingly important role in many areas of science and engineering, from biology and pharmacy to nanoelectronics and structural materials.  Recent breakthroughs in methodologies and in first principles-based interatomic potentials significantly increased the range of applicability of MD and the accuracy of its predictions even for new materials not yet fabricated or synthesized. Such predictive power indicates that MD has the potential to play a key role in guiding the design and optimization of new materials with improved properties tailored for specific applications. The goal of this short course is to provide an introduction to the theory behind MD simulations, describe some of the most exciting recent developments in the field and exemplify its use in various applications. The short course consists of a brief introduction and three lectures: Introduction: molecular dynamics simulations. This short presentation will describe the idea behind MD simulations and demonstrate its use in real applications. Lecture 1: the theory behind molecular dynamics. The first lecture will provide a brief description of classical mechanics and statistical mechanics necessary to understand the physics and approximations behind MD and how to correctly interpret and analyze its results. The power, range of applicability and limitations of MD will be discussed. Lecture 2: interatomic potentials. I will describe the various models used to describe the interactions between atoms in a wide range of materials including metals, ceramics and soft materials as well as new recent advances like reactive force fields. The key physics of widely used force fields will be described as well as their accuracy. Lecture 3: simulation details and coarse grain approaches. The last presentation will describe simulation techniques to simulate materials under isothermal and isobaric conditions. We will also describe coarse grain or mesodynamical approaches (where mesoparticles describe groups of atoms) focusing on recent advances in theory that enable thermodynamically accurate simulations including the description of quantum effects in the thermal properties of high-frequency vibrational modes. The lectures will be complemented with hands-on exercises utilizing the nanoMATERIALS simulation toolkit at the nanoHUB that enables running MD simulations simply using a webbrowser. BIO:  Alejandro Strachan is an Assistant Professor of Materials Engineering at Purdue University. He received his doctoral degree in Physics from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before joining Purdue, Professor Strachan was a staff member in the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked at the California Institute of Technology. Prof. Strachan’s research focuses on developing and validating atomic and mesoscale computational methodologies aimed at predicting the behavior of materials from first principles and their application in technologically relevant areas where a molecularlevel understanding can help solve outstanding problems. Areas of interest include: nanoscale and nanostructured materials for electronics and electro-mechanical systems, active and energetic materials, mechanical properties of molecular solids, and computational materials design. 2.2:  Tuesday, December 4, 10:00AM, BRK 1001: “Nano-materials for Nano-electronics,” by Dr. Zhihong Chen, Research Staff Member, IBM Research Division ABSTRACT: With current nano-electronics approaching its scaling limit, a new emphasis has been placed on looking for new materials that can provide better electronic properties than silicon. It is extremely important to develop a thorough understanding of these new materials and take advantages of them in device designs. In my presentation, I will discuss two nano-materials – carbon nanotube and graphene. Carbon nanotubes have been shown to have outstanding electronic properties mainly owing to their dimensionality. I will present fabrication and measurement of a gate-all-around carbon nanotube transistor – an ultimate device design which takes advantage of the smallness of this material. Challenges in material complexity and device fabrication will be discussed and an outlook on nanotube based technology will be presented. Graphene has been a rapid rising star in the scientific community in the past two years. As the basic building block for carbon nanotubes, graphene shares many common physical properties and is attractive for electronic applications because of the possibility of large scale film growth and implementation. I will demonstrate devices fabricated with single or double layer graphene and discuss our current understanding and the required studies planned for the future to achieve better device performance in future nano-electronic applications. Zhihong Chen received her B.S. degree in physics from Fudan University, Shanghai, China, in 1998, and her M.S. and Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of Florida in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Her Ph.D thesis work involved studies of the physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes. She co-invented a method to assemble nanotubes into ultra-thin, conductive and highly uniform films, which can be used as transparent electrodes in many applications. Her research on separation of carbon nanotubes by electronic types was targeting the most challenging problem in the field and was one of the first few attempts, which have been extensively followed up. Dr. Chen has joined the IBM T.J. Watson research center in 2004, where she is currently is a research staff member in the Physical Science Department. Her research at IBM focuses on exploring new materials for nano-electronics. Her contributions include a thorough exploration of material choices for high-performance nanotube transistors, demonstration of a process flow for integrated nanotube circuits, and studies of fundamental properties of new materials such as graphene for electronic applications. 2.3:  Thursday, December 6, 4:00PM refreshments, ME 256; seminar, 4:30PM, ME 161: “Miniaturized Processes and Machines for Micro-cutting and manipulation,” by Kornel F. Ehmann, James N. and Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship, Northwestern University ABSTRACT: The miniaturization of components and products increasingly requires the manufacture of micro/meso-scale features in the range of a few microns to a few millimeters on components whose size does not exceed several millimeters. Yet, in spite of the perceived similarity between conventional and micro/meso-scale manufacturing the physical mechanisms that govern the latter processes are vastly different and so are the characteristics of the machines and systems that are needed for their execution. In regard to the machines and systems there is ample of evidence to suggest that downscaled processes and machines exhibit superior capabilities. In this presentation a few key aspects of process and machine miniaturization will be addressed on two representative examples. The first is the development of miniaturized machine tools and their key component, an ultra-high speed spindle, for micro-cutting operations in conjunction with the analysis and modeling of dynamic instabilities in these operations. The second is a comprehensive discussion of the feasibility of developing monolithic mechanisms for micro/meso-scale part manipulation. The specific example will focus on a shape memory alloy based manipulator. Issues to be discussed include the manufacture of the mechanism, the feasibility of “self-sensing” and the modeling of the transformation kinetics and dynamics of the device. BIO: Kornel F. Ehmann is the James N. and Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Northwestern University. Professor Ehmann received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in 1970 and 1974 respectively from the University of Belgrade and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979, all in Mechanical Engineering. He has served as a Professor from 1990-present, an Associate Professor from 1985-1990, both in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University, and as an Assistant Professor from 1981-1985 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently also an Adjunct Professor of the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, a Distinguished Honorary Professors of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, and a University Chair Professor at the Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan. Dr. Ehmann’s main research interests are in the interrelated areas of machine tool structural dynamics, metal cutting processes and dynamics, computer control of machine tools and robots, accuracy control in machining, and micro/meso-scale mechanical manufacturing. General Dynamics, General Electric, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, IBM, Ingersoll Milling Machine Co., SpeedFam, American Tool Co., LLNL, NIST and others have supported his work. Dr. Ehmann has published close to 200 articles and supervised over 40 MS and 40 Ph.D. students in these areas. Dr. Ehmann is currently the Technical Editor of the ASME Transactions: Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering (formerly Journal of Engineering for Industry), and an Associate Editor of the SME Journal of Manufacturing Processes. He has served as the President of NAMRI/SME and as the Chair of the Manufacturing Engineering Division of ASME. He is a fellow of ASME and SME and a recipient of the SME Gold Medal.   ******************** 3. Birck Visitors ********************   3.1:  Wednesday, December 5, 9:00-2:30PM, BRK 1001:  Duke Energy 3.2:  Wednesday-Friday, December 5 to December 7, representatives from Sony will be visiting with Professors Garimella’s and Fisher’s groups 3.3:  Friday, December 7, 8:30AM, Meredith Hilt, Director of Tellabs Foundation     ****************** 4.  Job Opportunities ******************   4.1:  Postdoc, BIO-NANOMAGNETISM, Materials Science Division, Argonne National Lab Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in Magnetic Thin Film Group, Materials Science Division at Argonne National Labs.  The proposed research is focused on developing multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for therapeutics and diagnostics purposes. The candidate should demonstrate his/her capacity to synthesize, functionalize and optimize nanocomposites for biomagnetic applications. The area of particular interest is to develop super-paramagnetic nano-bio-conjugates of controllable size and Currie temperature with superior properties for in Vitro and in Vivo cytotoxic and hyperthermia targeted treatment of tumors. Well-established expertise in general areas of life science and biochemistry, and in particular in successful synthesis and biofunctionalization of magnetic nanomaterials (ferro-fluids / nanocrystals) for targeted drug delivery is required. Deep understanding of magnetic phenomena at nanoscale is required. Past experience with high-resolution Atomic Force Microscopy is a plus. Excellent English (oral and written) communication skills are essential and required. The successful candidate with collaborate closely with staff scientists from Argonne's Materials Science Division and Center for Nanoscale Materials, and Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago.  The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for the second year. The candidates should have a recent PhD or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline.  Interested candidates may email to novosad@anl.gov. The applications should include a motivation cover page, CV, publications list, up to 3-pages summary of proposed research project, and names of 3 academic referees.  The position is available immediately.  Argonne is a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory managed by The University of Chicago. 4.2:  Postdoc, NANOMAGNETISM, Materials Science Division, Argonne National Lab Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in the Magnetic Films Group of the Materials Science Division at Argonne National Lab.  The research will be focused on understanding the magnetization reversal mechanisms, RF driven spin dynamics and transport properties of patterned nanomagnetic structures and arrays. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who has a solid background in experimental magnetism, including experience in thin film growth, microfabrication (clean room environment), electron-beam lithography, high-frequency / time-resolved measurements, and MFM / MOKE microscopies.  The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for the second year. Experience with micromagnetic and analytical modeling of spin dynamics in confined geometries is required.  Excellent English (oral and written) communication skills are required.  Candidates should have a recent PhD in materials science or a related discipline.  Interested candidates may email to novosad@anl.gov. The application should include a cover page with a statement of motivation, CV, publication list, up to 3-pages summary of proposed research project, and names of 3 academic references.  The position is available immediately.  Argonne is a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory managed by The University of Chicago.   ****************** 5.  Life on the Outside ******************   5.1:  Holiday Craft Show:  Tuesday, December 4, MRGN 146 and 148.     5.2:  by way of CSW (Council on the Status of Women at Purdue University):  Witness is a rape awareness zine publication at Purdue dedicated to sharing both survivor narratives and community viewpoints on the widespread problem of campus rape and sexual assault.  Email your submission (maximum 1000 words in a Microsoft Word document or artwork in jpeg format) to wro@purdue.edu <<a href="mailto:wro@purdue.edu">mailto:wro@purdue.edu</a>>  with the subject title "Witness" by December 7th, 2007.  Read the Call for Submissions <a href="http://www.purdue.edu/humanrel/contribute_other/WitnessCallforSubmissions_000.rtf">http://www.purdue.edu/humanrel/contribute_other/WitnessCallforSubmissions_000.rtf</a> <<a href="http://www.purdue.edu/humanrel/contribute_other/WitnessCallforSubmissions_000.rtf">http://www.purdue.edu/humanrel/contribute_other/WitnessCallforSubmissions_000.rtf</a>> to learn more.  Contact:  Katie Pope; Director, Women's Resource Office; American Railway Building; 4-9879   <HR ALIGN=CENTER SIZE="3" WIDTH="95%">Deborah S. Starewich Administrative Assistant to Timothy D. Sands, Director Birck Nanotechnology Center Purdue University 765-494-3509 dstarewi@ecn.purdue.edu <a href="http://www.nano.purdue.edu/">http://www.nano.purdue.edu/</a> </BODY> </HTML>