Our Vision Using our expertise in plasma science, PPPL is driving scientific innovation to maintain U.S. leadership in critical industries. Dean of Faculty Office Features PPPL‑Led Project : Read More Learn how AMSS researchers are working on new types of 2D semiconductors using lessons from the traditional toolkit Read More Recent News Improving the way flash memory is made Jan. 29, 2025 PPPL leading two CHIPS and Science Act projects Dec. 23, 2024 Ensuring a bright future for diamond electronics and sensors Nov. 5, 2024 Microelectronics Low-temperature plasmas are used in nearly half of all steps in fabricating computer chips. PPPL is transforming what has been a black-box approach into one based on scientific understanding and engineering control by working with the semiconductor industry to develop new ways to make smaller, more capable microelectronics using plasmas. This includes new ways to structure materials and new types of materials. For example, we are currently exploring the use of incredibly thin materials — in some cases, just a few layers of atoms, which are called 2D because of their single-layer properties. PPPL is also investigating the extreme properties of diamond and how it can be used to make sensors and electronics for harsh environments, such as those found in nuclear reactors. Learn more 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 The Lab is studying the best ways to make quantum diamond for electronics and sensors in its Quantum Diamond Lab. We are exploring the use of diamond-based materials to create alternatives to silicon in the fabrication of microchips, which 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 computers much faster and more powerful than those available today. 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 Sciences We're applying our experimental and computational strengths in plasma, engineering, and electrochemical and materials science. Our goal is not only to contribute to basic science research, but also bring discoveries to deployment. Electromanufacturing PPPL is committed to advancing new technologies for a competitive U.S. manufacturing industry. Our researchers are investigating ways to electrify industrial processes using plasma. Our focuses include:Using plasma to enhance the conversion of natural gas (methane) to hydrogen.Using plasma or electric heating to produce ammonia from air and hydrogen.Using electricity to produce useful chemicals and fuel from carbon dioxide.Electricity could more efficiently produce chemicals like hydrogen, ethylene and ammonia; steel and cement; and even capture and chemically transform carbon dioxide and recycle plastics. Current ProjectsEnergy Earthshot Research Center: Hydrogen Shot™$5 million, LeadEnergy Earthshot Research Center: Industrial Heat Shot™$1 million, partner to Oak Ridge National Laboratory Aerosol Science Intentionally reflecting the sun's energy back to space could help cool the planet. 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 cooling strategies. Current ProjectsAerosol DynamicsGain a better understanding of aerosol-light-cloud dynamicsAerosol MaterialsResearch and discovery around new, environmentally benign, scalable aerosol materials that may feature desirable properties for climate intervention science. This includes stratospheric aerosol injection and cirrus cloud thinning Our Partners We are partnering with Princeton University to manage two microelectronics centers and the Quantum Diamond Laboratory. Our partnership with GFDL includes research into understanding the interactions between clouds, light and aerosols, or mixtures of solids and liquids in a gas. With the Simons Foundation, we operate two small-scale chambers that enable the investigation of aerosols and atmospheric ice. We partner with a range of DOE national laboratories on initiatives ranging from quantum computing to industrial efficiency. Meet the Team Emily Carter Associate Laboratory Director of Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences; Senior Strategic Advisor for Sustainability Science Phil Efthimion Deputy Associate Lab Director for Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences Microelectronics Barry P Rand Head of Microelectronics Igor Kaganovich Principal Research Physicist Yevgeny Raitses Managing Principal Research Physicist Quantum Materials and Devices Alastair Stacey Head of Quantum Materials and Devices Nathalie de Leon PPPL Associated Faculty David Graves PPPL Associated Faculty Electromanufacturing Yiguang Ju Head of Electromanufacturing Mark Martirez Research Physicist Aerosol Science for the Climate Luc Deike Head of Aerosol Science for the Climate Marissa Weichman PPPL Associated Faculty More News Improving the way flash memory is made January 29, 2025 PPPL leading two CHIPS and Science Act projects December 23, 2024 Ensuring a bright future for diamond electronics and sensors November 5, 2024 Connecting research communities: Task force makes recommendations to strengthen ties between Princeton and PPPL October 30, 2024 Emily Carter wins prestigious Marsha I. Lester Award from American Chemical Society September 24, 2024 1 / 5 Start animation ▶ ︎ ︎ More AMSS News Connect with us Looking to learn more? Reach out to [email protected]. Related documents Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences (AMSS) presentation August 2023 Microelectronics Listserv Members Electromanufacturing Listserv Members Aerosol Science for the Climate Listserv Members