PPPL awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center : Learn More Learn More Our Vision To help strengthen U.S. competitiveness in key industries, we aim to be a leader in the science and application of low-temperature plasmas, including nanofabrication that enables microelectronics and quantum technologies of tomorrow, and processes to help sustainably decarbonize multiple industries. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is now using its expertise in plasma to serve as an economic driver of innovation — using novel plasma technologies to produce computer chips, advance quantum computing techniques and contribute to a net-zero world. This video features Emily Carter, Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor in Energy and the Environment at Princeton University and associate laboratory director of applied materials and sustainability sciences and senior strategic advisor for sustainability science at PPPL; Nirbhav Chopra, a graduate student in astrophysical sciences; and John Mark P. Martirez, staff research scientist and deputy advisor for sustainability science. Special thanks to Susan Reslewic Keatley '99 for helping contribute to the questions asked during this interview. Microelectronics PPPL is working with the semiconductor industry to develop new ways to fabricate capable, efficient, and cost-effective chips. Industry goals include a major expansion in the type and structure of the materials to be used, which must be implemented with atomic-scale precision. The Lab’s expertise in low-temperature plasmas, which are used in nearly half of all steps in fabricating computer chips, are helping transform what has been a black-box, Edisonian approach into one based on scientific understanding and engineering control. Our Partners We're partnering with Lam to simulate a key step in atomic-scale chip fabrication, an increasingly critical process that aims to remove single atomic layers from silicon surfaces, one at a time. Our partnership with Samsung has focused on the etching of computer logic and memory patterns on microscopically thin layers of chips — key applications of plasma in chip fabrication. For Applied Materials, we're developing new plasma diagnostics and modeling tools for key processing steps such as atomic-scale etching in microchip manufacturing. Quantum Materials and Devices Our researchers are exploring the use of diamond-based materials to create alternatives to silicon in the fabrication of microchips and could enable a wholly new type of chip relying on quantum bits, or “qubits,” that take the place of standard bits used in silicon-based computers. Qubits could make possible quantum computers that would be far faster and more powerful than computers today. A key goal of our Lab is to enhance qubit production with plasma to advance quantum device fabrication. Photoluminescence with above-bandgap excitation in layered diamond Bringing the World of Quantum Physics into Light With Princeton University, we're currently developing a next-generation diamond sensor with capabilities that range from imaging single molecules to guiding aircraft by detecting slight anomalies in the Earth’s magnetic field. This work is supported by a highly competitive three-year, $5.2-million award from the Department of Energy. Sustainability Science We're applying our experimental and computational strengths in plasma, engineering, and electrochemical and materials science to contribute to a net-zero world. Our goal is not only to contribute to basic science research, but also bring discoveries to deployment. Electromanufacturing In alignment with many of the Department of Energy’s Earthshot initiatives, we're committed to advancing low-carbon technologies for a sustainable and competitive U.S. manufacturing industry. Our researchers are investigating ways to replace fossil fuels with electricity, including plasmas, in industrial processes. Our focuses include: Use of plasma to enhance conversion of natural gas (methane) to hydrogen Use of plasma or electric heating to produce ammonia from air and hydrogen Use of electricity to produce useful chemicals and fuel from carbon dioxide Electricity could more sustainably produce chemicals like hydrogen, ethylene, and ammonia; steel and cement; and even capture and chemically transform carbon dioxide and recycle plastics. Current Projects Energy Earthshot Research Center: Hydrogen Shot™ ($5 million, lead) Energy Earthshot Research Center: Industrial Heat Shot™ ($1 million, partner to Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Solar Radiation Management Intentionally reflecting the sun's energy back to space could help cool the planet temporarily while we transition off of fossil fuels. Our researchers aim to study how clouds, light, and aerosols — small particles in the air — interact in controlled laboratory conditions, so that we can safely determine the science underpinning such cooling strategies. Ongoing Projects Better understanding of aerosol-light-cloud dynamics Research and discovery around new, environmentally benign, scalable aerosol materials that may feature desirable properties for solar radiation management campaigns. This includes stratospheric aerosol injection and cirrus cloud thinning Meet the Team Emily Carter Associate Lab Director for Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences Phil Efthimion Deputy Associate Lab Director for Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences Mark Martirez Staff Research Scientist and Deputy Advisor for Sustainability Sciences Electromanufacturing Igor Kaganovich Solar Radiation Management Yevgeny Raitses Managing Principal Research Physicist Microelectronics David Graves Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University Quantum Materials and Devices Connect with us Looking to learn more? Reach out to [email protected]. Featured News PPPL awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center focused on clean hydrogen September 29, 2023 PPPL receives funding to accelerate research in ‘electromanufacturing’ September 21, 2023 Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) visits the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory March 10, 2023 Top Office of Science officials learn about PPPL’s expanded mission during Feb. 10 visit February 24, 2023 PPPL senior strategic advisor tapped to lead national study on sustainable use of carbon March 1, 2022 1 / 5 Start animation ▶ ︎ ︎ More AMSS News Related documents Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences (AMSS) presentation August 2023
