SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit a wide range of exotic wave phenomena, including flat bands, correlated states, and topological phases. These effects are at the heart of emerging technologies in communication, sensing, and quantum engineering. Potential projects include engineering monolayer moiré lattices, modelling obstructed atomic insulators, and realizing acoustic analogs of Wigner crystallization. Students will design, simulate, fabricate, and measure acoustic metamaterials that mimic two-dimensional electronic systems. Using finite-element modeling software (COMSOL Multiphysics), the student will design lattices that support flat bands, localized edge modes, or moiré-like superlattice effects. These designs will then be 3D printed and characterized with microphones and acoustic transducers to map their resonant spectra and wave patterns.

Potential skills gained: Students will learn fundamental concepts in wave physics, materials design, and data analysis while completing a full research cycle that links theory, simulation, and experiment.

Required qualifications:

• Preferred course completions: A background in solid-state physics (e.g. MSNE 406), familiarity with linear algebra (MATH 212), and an interest in pursuing graduate school in the natural sciences or engineering is preferred but not required.

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Graduate Student