Prof. Caroline A Ross

Professor Ross' research is directed towards the magnetic properties of thin films and small structures, particularly for data storage applications, and towards methods for creating nanoscale structures based on self-assembly and lithography. Current research on magnetic materials includes the synthesis and characterization of arrays of small magnetic 'dots' for patterned recording media, magnetoresistive ring-shaped multilayer thin-film elements for magnetic random access memories and magnetic logic devices, and magnetooptical materials for optical integrated circuits. They also study the self-assembly of block copolymers, porous alumina, and island formation in films, and develop methods for templating self-assembly in order to form well-organized structures useful in nanoscale devices. They maintain a Thin Film Laboratory which includes a pulsed laser deposition system and an ultra-high vacuum sputter system, in addition to a range of magnetic, magnetooptical, and magnetoelectronic characterization equipment.