Andrew Rogers - Student Profile
Current research project
Electrostatic and Surface Potentials in Pyroelectric Materials
What happens when you change its temperature? In a world where temperatures regularly rise and fall climactically, and can be forced to rise and fall artificially, this is one of the key questions to ask when investigating the properties of a material.
A particular branch of materials that exhibit fascinating properties upon heating and cooling are called pyroelectrics. The thermal and electrical properties of pyroelectric materials are intricately linked together, with large potential differences developing between the faces of a pyroelectric on heating or cooling. Despite the possibility for exciting applications however, pyroelectricity is one of the least-understood electrical properties of solid materials.
My research seeks to grow our understanding of the behaviour of pyroelectricity on a nanoscale using scanning probe microscopy techniques.
Biography
In 2017, having completed A-Levels at Ballyclare High School, I began an MSci degree in physics at Queen’s. During my final year I undertook a research project in ferroelectric materials, an experience which encouraged me to pursue further experimental physics research. After graduating in 2021, I worked for Christian Unions Ireland at Queen’s for a year, before beginning my PhD in October 2022.
I have a keen interest in exploring the relationship between science and the Christian faith. The rational intelligibility of nature and the presence of laws within it points to One who wrote those laws, upholds those laws, and made us to be able to understand them. Therefore, as we study our world through science, we are being pointed to the Author of all truth and the Source of all life.
Research interest
- Pyroelectric and Ferroelectric Materials
- Scanning Probe Microscopy Techniques
- Focussed Ion Beam Milling Techniques