We have investigated a second-order phase transition of the vortex lattice in thin-film Nd₁.₈₅Ce₀.₁₅CuO[subscript 4-y] from 1 mT to 1 T applied magnetic fields. The dc resistivity-current density data for each field exhibit critical scaling consistent with a second-order vortex-liquid to vortex-solid phase transition. The high-field data support the vortex-glass...
Advances in energy technologies and electronics have typically occurred through either heightened performance or cost reduction. This dissertation explores both routes through a series of fundamental material studies that may contribute to the enabling of next generation devices. Solution based syntheses and deposition of chemical products offer a low cost...
Solid-state amorphous materials show amazing promise in thin-film electronics. The interface-to-bulk ratio of thin films makes interfacial chemistries of these systems of utmost importance. Thin films of amorphous metals, dielectrics and semiconductors have novel chemistries that are not only based upon their elemental constituent makeup, but also based upon the...
Copper sulfides (Cu[subscript x]S) are compound semiconductor materials that exhibit considerable optical and electrical properties varying significantly as a function of the composition. Copper sulfide thin films can be used in many applications, such as solar control coatings, solar cells, photothermal conversion of solar energy, electroconductive coatings, and microwave shielding...