Sample interview questions: How do you approach designing experiments and selecting appropriate materials for your research?
Sample answer:
When designing experiments and selecting appropriate materials for my research as a Solid-State Physicist, I follow a systematic and thoughtful approach. Firstly, I carefully analyze the research problem or question at hand to gain a thorough understanding of its objectives and requirements. This enables me to define the specific properties or phenomena I need to investigate, which in turn guides my selection of suitable materials.
To begin the material selection process, I consider the fundamental properties required for my research, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic behavior, mechanical strength, or optical properties. Based on these prerequisites, I review existing literature and databases to identify materials that possess the desired characteristics. This step often involves studying the crystal structures, band structures, and physical properties of various candidate materials.
Next, I evaluate the practical aspects of the materials under consideration. Factors such as availability, cost, and ease of synthesis or fabrication play a crucial role in determining their suitability for experimentation. Additionally, I consider the stability and durability of the materials, especially if the experiments involve extreme conditions like high temperatures or pressures.
Once I have narrowed down the pool of potential materials, I conduct preliminary experiments or simulations to assess their performance and validate their suitability for further investigation. This may involve measuring their electrical or optical properties, conducting spectroscopic analyses, or performing simulations using computational tools. These initial tests provide valuable insights into the materials’ behavior and help me refine my selection.
In some cases, I may need to modify or engineer the selected materials to enhance specific properties or create desired functionalities. This could involve… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/5_0_12/Solid-State%20Physicist