Cary G. Allen
P.O. Box 57304, Tucson, AZ 85732
(970) 946-6656
carygallen[at]gmail.com
Professional Expertise:
Experienced Research Scientist with 5+ years of laboratory experience and training
Proficient performing numerous sophisticated research techniques:
oFabrication: nanostructured semiconductors and thin films; metal oxides; vacuum depositions; solution processing; interface modification, (1st -3rd) generation PV devices
oCharacterization: physical and chemical structural analysis; localized and extended morphologies; mobilities and resistivities; carrier generation, lifetimes, and transport; device dopings, junctions, and contacts; current-voltage, quantum efficiency, etc.
Broad understanding of photovoltaic and semiconductor materials, devices, and limitations
Experience with design and fabrication, some exposure to drafting and machining
Task oriented, reliable, and detailed with analysis
Professional Responsibility:
Perform program and team management; Foster development with industrial relations
Maximize program efficiency by developing structured approaches to problem solving
Organize and conceptualize difficult projects; divide multi-operational tasks performed in parallel
Multi-task time spent formulating objectives, performing background searches, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up results
Prepare publications and view graphs; Great oral presentation and interpersonal discussion skills
Lead technical interpretations requiring advanced understandings of a materials system
Education:
Doctorate: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Colorado School of Mines (CSM), CO (Dec. 2008). Thesis work on semiconductor surface modifications was advised by Dr. Reuben T. Collins.
oDoctoral Candidate Presentation Winner, 2008 CSM Research Fair
Bachelors: B.S. in Applied Physics, Mesa State College, CO; Summa Cum Laude (May 2002).
oAlpha Chi, Sigma Pi Sigma, and Kappa Mu Epsilon Honor Societies
List of Skills:
Thermal Evaporation; Photolithography; Atomic Force Microscope (AFM); Near-Field Optical Scanning Microscope; Device Modeling (SCAPS and SimWindows); R.F. Sputtering Plasma Etching; Hall-Effect; Four point probe; Current-Voltage (J-V); Capacitance-Voltage (C-V);Photolithography; Chemical Etching; Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR); Raman Spectroscopy; Electrodeposition; Absorbance; Photoluminescence (PL); Solution Synthesis; Ellipsometry; Mathematica; Sol-gel Decompositions; X-ray Diffraction (XRD); X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS); Oxidations; Reductions; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); Energy Dispersive Spectrums (EDS); Carrier Lifetime Measurements (RCPCD); Quantum Efficiency (QE) Measurements
Professional Interests:
Challenging semiconductor devices, processes, and characterizations
Optical, electrical, and structural properties of materials used for contacts or heterojunctions
Nanophase assembly, dopants and segregations, surface/interfacial passivations
Charge transfer processes and correlated microstructural morphology
Vacuum deposition equipment, such as, thermal evaporators, R.F. sputtering or CVD chambers
Large area processing; production techniques, and process analysis
Device testing; Failure modes, efficiencies, and longevity
Development of high-tech apparatus for materials synthesis or characterization
Theoretical calculations or device modelling to improve process development or understanding of materials properties
Surface scanning probes, electron microscopes, and the varieties of optical spectroscopy
Qualifications:
Research Associate at the University of Arizona (UA) Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) Dept.
Advanced Materials Laboratory 2009-present
Co-investigate nanocomposite thin-films incorporating nanophase semi-conductors (Ge or CdTe) embedded within transparent conductive oxide matrices (ITO or ZnO) to create optically sensitized electronic contacts or heterojunction components
Conduct extensive analysis of morphology, phase transition, interface, and electron quantum confinement of semiconductors
Evaluate materials properties used as inputs in device modelling software
Integrate the nanostructured materials into novel photovoltaic device architectures
Collaborate with industrial partners understanding manufacturing processes and variables to improve silicon passivation coatings and enhance carrier lifetimes
Understand interface structure and chemical composition evaluating micrographs using cross-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM-EDS.
Modify and maintain laboratory equipment; eg.) added substrate heating and improved reactive sputtering capabilities of the R.F. sputtering deposition system; built a spectrally resolved photoconductivity measurement with automated data acquisition; multiple optical and electrical set-ups to enhance photovoltaic characterization capabilities, re-established groups AFM capabilities; diagnosed and resolved multiple computer/controller/hardware malfunctions; made masks, etches, sputter, spin-coating, and evaporation procedures to build PV devices from the substrate up
Graduate Student Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Physics Department
Contractor at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 2006-2008
Co-investigated interfacial manipulation of metal oxide/polymer (ZnO/P3HT) hybrid devices using molecular surface treatments; Interested in improving charge transfer process from polymer donor to metal oxide acceptor using monolayer modifiers which improved polymer crystallinity
Developed a proficiency using solution processing techniques for third-generation low-cost photovoltaics eg.) polymer spin-coating and sol-gel solute decomposition
Performed and analyzed photoluminescence of luminescence quenching experiments of nanophase/polymer composite systems
Evaluated and compared the effects of different surface treatments in terms of photovoltaic device performance (eg. VOC, JSC, and Fill Factor)
Graduate Student in the Physics Dept. at CSM
Center for Solar and Electronic Materials (CSEM) and Collins lab 2003-2008
Educated in fundamental device physics and standard semiconductor processing and materials characterization
Performed thesis work on surface modifications of semiconductors, which included, functionalizations of ZnO using silane and thiol molecular modifiers, large grain growth of GaAs by manipulating nucleation and growth conditions, and microcontact printing using aqueous metallic salts solutions
Used an NSOM for photo-patterning, spectrally and topographically resolved PL from GaAs microstructures, and plasmonic device characterizations
Utilized an AFM for surface characterizations (eg. imaged atomic steps on single crystal ZnO, phase detection to characterize polymer morphology, or just to evaluate surface roughness, photolithography patterns, ect.)
Operated an SEM to evaluate cross-sections of nanostructured ZnO
Worked with numerous laser and incoherent light systems requiring precision optical alignments and diligence to safety protocols
Developed a low-cost microcontact patterning method to create indium metal on the surface of Si; Characterized defects in GaAs material; Analyzed coverage, bonding, and conformation of monolayer surface treatments
Training Experience:
Guest lectured mid-level materials science courses on topics of phase transition and diffusion
Provided assistance and direction to multiple graduate students (UofA) developing their skills necessary to design, perform, and analyze immediate experiments that will provide the understanding necessary to fulfil and complete long term and encompassing objectives
Assisted undergraduate researchers (CSM) on projects ranging from nanoporous silicon to solution synthesis of ZnO quantum dots
Trained and authorized users of the Centers research equipment at CSM
Served as a teaching assistant (CSM) in a semester long microelectronic processing course designing necessary instruction materials, such as photolithography masks and dopant drive-in schedules, and guided the students fabrication of working JFET and MOSFET devices
Instructed a variety of introductory physics labs at CSM and UCD employing interactive learning
Service:
Member and contributor to the Materials Research Society (2005-present)
Elected CSM Graduate Student Association Vice-President of Communications (2008-09);
Acted as the grad-student liaison on numerous undergrad, faculty, and administrative committees
Cast member in Mines Little Theatre performances (2007-2009)
Volunteer at the Golden Railroad Museum for Thomas the Train (Sept. 06)
Treasurer/Equipment manager for the CSM Kayak club (2004-2006)
Served as Zone 14 Associate Councillor for the Society of Physics Students (2001-02)
Mesa State College Student Government At-Large Representative (1999-2000)
Journal Publications:
1)Microstructural and Optical Characterization of Germanium:Indium Tin Oxide (Ge:ITO) Nanocomposite Films C.G. Allen, G.H. Shih, and B.G. Potter Jr., J. Mater. Sci. and Eng. B (in press).
2)RF-Sputtered Ge-ITO Nanocomposite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications G.H. Shih, C.G. Allen, and B.G. Potter, Jr., Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 94 (2010) 797.
3)Self-limiting deposition of semiconducting ZnO by pulsed, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition P.C. Rowlette, C.G. Allen, O.B. Bromley, and C.A. Wolden, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 27 (2009) 761.
4)Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of semiconductor grade ZnO using dimethyl zinc P.C. Rowlette, C.G. Allen, O.B. Bromley, A.E. Dubetz, and C. A. Wolden, Chemical Vapor Deposition 15 (2009) 15.
5)Synthesis of tetrapod-shaped ZnO nanowires by directive oxidation of Al-Zn mixture G.H. Lee and C.G. Allen, J. Ceramic Soc. of Japan 117 (2009) 111.
6)Surface modification of ZnO using triethoxysilane-based molecules C.G. Allen, D.J. Baker, J.M. Albin, H.E. Oertli, D.T. Gillaspie, D.C. Olson, T.E. Furtak, and R.T. Collins, Langmuir 24 (2008) 13393.
7)Optimization study of the femtosecond laser-induced forward-transfer process with thin aluminium films S. Bera, A.J. Sabbah, J. M. Yarbrough, C.G. Allen, B. Winters, C.G. Durfee, and J. A. Squier, Applied Optics 46 (2007) 4650.
8)Microcontact printing of indium metal using aqueous salt solution ink C.G. Allen, J.C. Dorr, A.A. Khandekar, J.D. Beach, I.C. Schick, E.J. Schick, R.T. Collins, T.F. Kuech, Thin Solid Films 515 (2007) 6812.
9)Novel method to compensate for fluctuations in optical power delivered to an NSOM I.C. Schick, J.M. Yarbrough, C.G. Allen, R.T. Collins, Review of Scientific Instruments 44 (2006) 66.
Proceedings Publications:
1)Inorganic photo-sensitized transparent conductive oxide (TCO) nanocomposite thin films for photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion C.G. Allen, G.H. Shih, and B.G. Potter Jr. Fall Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. R (in press).
2)Comparison of Molecular Monolayer Interface Treatments in Organic-inorganic Photovoltaic Devices J.M. Albin, D.J. Baker, C.G. Allen, T.E. Furtak, R.T. Collins, D.C. Olson, D.S. Ginley, C. C. Weigand, A.-S. Vardoy, C. Ladam, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 1154 (2009) B10-40.
3)Functionalized ZnO for improved organic photovoltaic systems D.J. Baker, C.G. Allen, T.D. Berman, M.R. Bergren, J.M. Albin, D.C. Olson, E.C. Przekwas, M.S. White, D.S. Ginley, R.T. Collins, T.E. Furtak, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 1115 (2009) H08-23.
4)Octadecyltriethoxysilane surface modification of Zinc Oxide C.G. Allen, D.J. Baker, T.E. Furtak, R.T. Collins, M.S. White, D.T. Gillaspie, D.C. Olson, D.S. Ginley, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 1091E (2008) AA05-78.
5)Experimental study of enhanced transmission through subwavelength linear apertures flanked by periodic corrugations I.C. Schick, P.D. Flammer, J.M. Yarbrough, C.G. Allen, G.J. Nuebel, E.J. Schick, J.M. Dahdah, J.T. Martineau, M.A. Hurowitz, R.E. Hollingsworth, and R.T. Collins, Proc. SPIE 6323 (2006) 63230L.
6)Theoretical study of enhanced transmission through subwavelength linear apertures flanked by periodic corrugations P.D. Flammer, I.C. Schick, J. M. Yarbrough, C.G. Allen, G.J. Nuebel, E.J. Schick, J.M. Dahdah, J.T. Martineau, M.A. Hurowitz, R.E. Hollingsworth, and R.T. Collins, Proc. SPIE 6323 (2006) 63231Z.
7)Selective Nucleation and Growth of Large Grain Polycrystalline GaAs C.G. Allen, J.D. Beach, A.A. Khandekar, C. Veauvy, R.T. Collins, J.C. Dorr, T.F. Kuech, R.M. Caputo, R.E. Hollingsworth, C.K. Inoki, T.S. Kuan, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 870E (2005) H1.5.
8)Nanoscale pattern transfer using sputter-induced corrugations formed at the Si/SiO2 interface C.G. Allen, M. Daniels, C.C. Umbach, J.M. Blakely, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 705 (2002) Y4.8.
Oral Presentations:
Science Foundation Arizona STI Project Team Meeting Passivation Layers for p-type Si (Tucson 2010)
Electronics Materials Conference Functionalized ZnO for organic photovoltaic systems (Santa Barbara 2008)
American Physical Society Microcontact printing Using Metallic Salt Solution Ink (Denver 2006)
Materials Research Society Selective Nucleation and Growth of Large Grain Polycrystalline GaAs (SF 2006)
American Physical Society The morphosis of silicon dioxide under ion irradiation (Indianapolis 2002)
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