Gold nanoparticles used in low thermal expansion nano-composite materials. Rare-earth doped upconverting nano-particles used in photodynamic therapy.

Research

Examples of active research areas in the Nano SE PhD program are: synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite materials, photo-activated nano-inks for direct write applications, nano-energetic materials, polymer chemistry, theory of spintronic devices, high resolution electron microscopy, and nano-scale spectroscopy utilizing the near-fields of ultrafast lasers. The program has ties with the School of Mines' Center for Accelerated Applications at the Nanoscale (CAAN), a nanotechnology center with a focus on development of nanocomposite materials, nano-scale electronic device failure analysis, and direct-write technology applications. A partial list of currently funded research programs and email links to the faculty involved is reproduced below.

Partial List of Funded Research Projects

• Design and Development of a femtosecond apertureless near-field microscope (NSF, Smith, Whites).
• Development of Super-resolution Optical Microscopy Techniques (DOE, Smith).
• Nanoscale Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Nano- and Energy- Materials (State of South Dakota, Smith).
• Modeling and Experimental Studies of Spin Transport for Semiconductor Devices (DOD, Petukhov).
• Combinatorial Research for Glass Coatings (Gaurdian Glass Corp., Ahrenkiel).
• Advanced Materials and Processes for Future Combat Systems (DOD / ARL, Kellar).
• Lightweight and Novel Structures for Space (DOD / AFRL, Kellar).
• Processing and Behavior of Nanoenergetic Materials - Kinetic Studies (ARO/DURINT, Puszynski).
• Combustion Synthesis of Nanocomposites( NSF, Puszynski).  
• Thermal, Impact, and Electrostatic Sensitivities of Energetic Nanocomposites (DEPSCoR, Puszynski).        
• Extended Wavelength Pulsed Laser System (NSF/MRI, Puszynski).             
• Formation and Processing of Nanopowders for Energetic and Structural Applications (ARDEC, Puszynski).
• Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development (State of South Dakota, Puszynski).
• Design and Synthesis of New High-Performance Polycarbonates for Transparent Armor (ARO, Boyles).
• NanoBio-Plastics and Composites from Linseed Oil and Saccharidic Source Materials (USDA, Boyles).
• Synthesis, Modeling, and Testing of Novel Polymer Nanocomposites for Impact Protection (ARO, Boyles).
• A Second-Generation Family of High Performance Resins for Aerospace Applications (AFRL, Boyles).

Nano Science and Engineering PhD Program South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 501 E. St. Joseph St, Rapid City, SD, 57701 Nano SE PhD Info   Tel: 605-394-5268