Trung Ha, Entry #2

Hello everyone, sorry for taking a long time to write the journal because I know my comical writing style intrigues everyone and so people are looking forward to it. Just kidding
The last few weeks have been very interesting and I've had a lot of fun. At the beginning of week 3 I finished my AFM training. The hardest part about using AFM is to insert the cartilage and my hand would always be shaking because I'm not used to meticulous job. I guess I have to get used to it once I go into the science world.
AFM machine
During the AFM training, Ram- my supervisor usually accompany me. AFM is essentially a tool to look at material at an ultra-microscopic level. AFM's optimal range is from 5nm -100nm. Using this tool we can look at the crack within the flakes to deduce the cause of the cracking (usually oxygen unless the cracks have some abnormalities). AFM can also be used to determine the height of flakes and various characteristics. My trainer, Dr. Brukman, is the most serious guy I've ever met. Normally I find people in academia pretty jolly and funny, he is dead serious like a military personnel so it's pretty interesting to see someone like this.
My main project right now is to optimize the growth of graphene. Dr. Zhao wanted me to grow continuous big flakes so I've been reading quite a lot of literature to test out the optimal way to grow MoS2. It's a trial and error process so it can get quite boring and when you're bored you usually do it unconsciously without paying attention to detail. I forgot to seal the furnace once and hence oxygen is introduced into the furnace. Luckily my growth doesn't require hydrogen or else big trouble will happen.
I also learn copper transfer to transfer MoS2 flakes onto chips to serve as semi-conductor. After transferring, I use the probe station to characterize the chip to examine the quality of the chip after transferrring.
Probe Station

I-Vg curve
The mechanism behind probe station is to examine the I-Vg curve after putting the chip onto the probe station. Every device should follow the theoretical curve that is pre-determined. This process is called characterization.
We had EXP lunch this week, everyone admires my choice of restaurant, I know it guys. I also had lunch with Mia, Derek and Lizzy once because they were all in the city. For Fourth of July weekend I went to New York City because I had a long weekend break from my lab. I went to see the firework and went shopping. New York City just forces you to spend a lot of money *sigh*
I can't believe it's already half way through my 10-week journey. Looking forward to spend the rest of my time here. 
Goodbye fans
P/s: a beautiful piece of art for you, yes you my special reader
The Thinker, Singh Nanotechnology Center version




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