Nan Yao
Princeton Materials Institute
Princeton University, USA
The state-of-the-art electron microscopy technique is the single, most powerful method for studying the full range of advanced materials. It starts at the overview level of the optical microscope and proceeds down to the Ångstrom level of the atomic structure, generating a multitude of signals. These signals include elastically scattered electrons carrying structure information, inelastically scattered electrons and X-rays providing chemical information, and secondary and Auger electrons giving surface information. By utilizing a variety of electron microscopy techniques, in tandem with computer image simulation, we can conduct fundamental studies of the structure-composition-processing-property relationships in nanostructured materials. In this presentation, I will describe the applications of this technique in studies of a variety of nanostructured materials including the oldest nanoparticles, to the latest nanotubes and nanophase thin films.
Nan Yao is the Director for the Imaging and Analysis Center, at Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University. After receiving a 1990 Ph.D. in condensed matter physics and electron microscopy from Arizona State University, Yao went to work in the field of industry, first at the Shell Development Co., then at the Exxon Research and Engineering Co. Yao joined Princeton University in 1993 to help build an imaging and analysis program, which now is one of the preeminent imaging and analysis centers in the country. His research has focused on using advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques to conduct fundamental studies of the structure-composition-processing-property relationships in complex materials such as self-assembled organic/inorganic composites, functional block copolymer thin films, carbon nanotubes, superconductors, minerals, ferroelectric nano-crystallites, and other materials. Yao has authored and co-authored over 100 research papers. He is also on the Editorial Board for three professional journals and serves as a referee for many others. For the past several years, Yao has chaired and co-chaired four international symposia. He is actively involved in teaching activities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Currently, he teaches a core course entitled “Microscopy in Materials Science” at Princeton Materials Institute.