9632521 Williams The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Maryland supports interactive research in two interdisciplinary groups focusing on oxides, thin films, and novel surface spectroscopic probes. One of the research groups emphasizes fundamental materials issues in ferroelectric thin film heterostructures , related device problems of technological relevance, and fundamental materials physics of perovskite materials that exhibit unusually large ("colossal") magneto- resistance. The second group investigates the structure of surfaces on length scales from nanometers to microns, with the goal of developing a predictive understanding of surface morphology. The work may ultimately find practical application in micro-electronics, thin film growth, lubrication, catalysis, and other areas. A common theme for both groups is the development, optimization and utilization of novel surface sensitive tools to measure structural, magnetic, and electrical properties at microscopic length scales. The MRSEC supports the development, operation and maintenance of shared experimental facilities for materials research. It provides seed funding for exploratory research and fosters research participation by undergraduates. The Center is associated with an educational outreach program designed to enlighten pre-college and undergraduate students about science and the role of the center's research program in the modern world. The MRSEC also supports enhanced collaboration with industry, shared experimental facilities that also support research not directly funded by the MRSEC, and seed funding for exploratory research. The Center currently supports about 15 senior investigators, 7 postdoctoral research associates, 1 technician or other professional, 12 graduate students, and 8 undergraduates. The MRSEC is directed by Professor Ellen D. Williams. %%% The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Maryland supports interactive research in two interdisciplinary groups focusing on oxides, thin films, and novel surface spectroscopic probes. One of the research groups emphasizes fundamental materials issues in ferroelectric thin film heterostructures , related device problems of technological relevance, and fundamental materials physics of perovskite materials that exhibit unusually large ("colossal") magneto- resistance. The second group investigates the structure of surfaces on length scales from nanometers to microns, with the goal of developing a predictive understanding of surface morphology. The work may ultimately find practical application in micro-electronics, thin film growth, lubrication, catalysis, and other areas. A common theme for both groups is the development, optimization and utilization of novel surface sensitive tools to measure structural, magnetic, and electrical properties at microscopic length scales. The MRSEC supports the development, operation and maintenance of shared experimental facilities for materials research. It provides seed funding for exploratory research and fosters research participation by undergraduates. The Center is associated with an educational outreach program designed to enlighten pre-college and undergraduate students about science and the role of the center's research program in the modern world. The MRSEC also supports enhanced collaboration with industry, shared experimental facilities that also support research not directly funded by the MRSEC, and seed funding for exploratory research. The Center currently supports about 15 senior investigators, 7 postdoctoral research associates, 1 technician or other professional, 12 graduate students, and 8 undergraduates. The MRSEC is directed by Professor Ellen D. Williams. ***
