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Yazdi LAB
Atomic-Scale Materials Science & Electron Microscopy
Atomic-Scale Structure–Property Relationships
Our research uses advanced electron microscopy to uncover how atomic-scale structure governs the functional properties of materials. By combining high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, in situ microscopy, and machine-learning-based analysis, we investigate the roles of composition, interfaces, defects, surfaces, and local structure in determining material behavior. Our work spans optical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, quantum and thermal properties, with the goal of establishing structure–property relationships that can guide the design of materials with tailored functionality.
A Glimpse into Research at the Yazdi Lab
Optical Properties
We investigate how atomic structure, composition, interfaces, defects, and crystal phase influence the optical response of functional materials. Using monochromated valence EELS, cathodoluminescence, high-resolution STEM, 4D-STEM, and complementary spectroscopies, we probe properties such as surface plasmons, bandgaps, electronic transitions, and local disorder with nanometer- to atomic-scale spatial resolution.
LSPR Mapping of Au Nanoprisms and Electron Tomography of Pt-Decorated Au Photocatalysts
Electrical Properties
We study how local structure controls charge transport and electrostatic behavior in materials and devices. By combining phase-sensitive techniques such as electron holography and ptychography with atomic-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, and in situ electrical biasing, we probe interfaces, defects, dopants, charge distributions, and electrostatic potential barriers that govern electrical performance.
Electrostatic Potential Mapping of Source and Drain Regions in p-MOSFET and n-MOSFET Transistors
Quantum Properties
We investigate how defects, interfaces, and local atomic structure shape the behavior of quantum materials, including topological materials, quantum emitters, and low-dimensional systems. Using advanced electron imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy, we probe structural and chemical heterogeneities that influence electronic states, symmetry, carrier localization, and emergent quantum phenomena, linking atomic-scale imperfections and interfaces to quantum functionality.
High-Quality MBE Growth of Strange-Metal YbRh₂Si₂ on a Ge Substrate
Magnetic Properties
We explore how nanoscale and atomic structure govern magnetic behavior in functional and quantum materials. Using Lorentz microscopy, electron holography, 4D-STEM, ptychography, atomic-resolution imaging, and advanced spectroscopy, we visualize magnetic fields and spin textures and investigate how defects, interfaces, composition, and local structure influence magnetic phenomena.
Magnetic flux vortices entering an MgB₂ superconductor with increasing applied magnetic field
Mechanical Properties
We investigate how defects, interfaces, crystal structure, morphology, elemental distribution, and dimensionality influence the mechanical response of materials at small length scales. Using advanced electron diffraction, imaging, spectroscopy, and in situ characterization, we track structural evolution and deformation mechanisms and connect local atomic-scale structure to mechanical behavior and performance.
Shock-Wave-Induced Gradient Nanograined Structures Enhance Both Hardness and Ductility in a Silver Cube
Thermal Properties
We study how atomic structure, interfaces, defects, and phase heterogeneity influence thermal behavior and temperature-dependent material properties. Using in situ heating, cryogenic electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and high-resolution imaging, we track structural and electronic changes across temperature and reveal the microscopic origins of thermal response.
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