Project Info

Development of a Manual Probe Station for Electrical Transport Measurements on Nanostructured Devices

The student will design and build a probe station for electrical measurements. This is an engineering project that, if successful, would introduce an important, new capability to our lab – the ability to quickly perform transport measurements (e.g., measure resistances, voltages, currents, Hall effect) on micro- and nanostructured devices. The main components of such a station include adjustable fine tipped manipulator probes for contacting micron-sized contact pads, a sample holder, a mechanism for adjusting the position of the sample, a magnification system for viewing devices under test, wiring connecting the probes to current sources and voltmeters, and software to control measurements.

For more information:
https://peer.asee.org/design-and-implementation-of-a-probe-station-as-capstone-project.pdf

Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Student Preparation

Qualifications

• Machining
• Basic electronics
• Be self-motivated and meticulous
• Take ownership of the project
• Give 10-minute presentations on results and plans our mandatory weekly group meetings
• Maintain and bring an up-to-date, detailed lab notebook and notebook containing a to-do list to every group meeting
• Have well-thought-out plans before parts are acquired
• Regular work hours

Student is required to attend the basic lab safety training offered by Environmental Health and Safety at Mines.

Time Commitment

5 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

• Engineering design and machining
• Electrical transport measurements
• Programming source-measure units (voltmeters, current sources)

Mentoring Plan

Weekly group meetings