LAMDA LAB
WHO WE ARE
We are the Laboratory of Advanced Material Design, Synthesis, and Measurement –LAMDA Lab–, a materials science research group of undergraduate students lead by professors Yang Li, Junqiang Lu, and Kejie Lu working at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez in the Engineering Department. Located on the west coast of Puerto Rico the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez was founded back in September 23, 1911 as the second campus of the main public university system in Puerto Rico. Initially named "Colegio de Agricultura y Artes Mecánicas" (College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts) –popularly known by its acronym C.A.A.M.–, this was first an institution specialized in agriculture and studies in certain mechanical art fields. When the offer of academic programs was expanded its name was changed to University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus and now its name goes between "Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez" and the later.
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Our undergraduate students obtain numerous benefits by involving themselves in a research experience; it allows them to better understand published works, learn to balance collaborative and individual work, determine an area of interest, and jump start their careers as researchers. Through exposure to research as undergraduates, many students discover their passion for research and continue on to graduate studies; furthermore, research activities prepare undergraduate students for academic and research careers.
WHAT WE DO
NSF-MRI research program
“Acquisition of an Ultra Rapid Quenching Apparatus for Research and Education”
(Award DMR 1531755)
In our NSF-MRI project, this Ultra Rapid Quenching Apparatus –made in Germany– will work as a tool for research and education while it will also support and enhance the rapidly expanding research infrastructure in the field of nanostructured energy conversion materials at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. Being the first apparatus of its kind to exist in Puerto Rico, this equipment consists of a crucible-free levitation melting, which makes it ideal for melting reactive materials bearing high melting points. The synthesis of various materials can be performed in high cooling rates of more than 106 K/s, which is relevant to most fields in materials science and engineering.
Combining material design and theoretical prediction using the quantum first-principle calculation, we will develop new synthesis methods to prepare 3d and 4f-doped clathrates. The innovation for the synthesis method lies in the application of a non-equilibrium preparation technique with ultra rapid quenching. The key for these techniques is to keep the compositions uniform so as to not allow the stoichiometric ratio to deviate during the synthesis process, controlling the rare-earth to not produce impurity phases. The URQA is a good match for our existing research infrastructure at the University of Puerto Rico, and it will provide a great opportunity to explore new research directions and to improve the education of our students.
OUR LOGO
Located in the middle of our logo we have a straight lambda symbol. Kind of clever that we use a lambda symbol for our LAMDA Lab, right? Well, the meaning goes beyond that. In these straight paths we find one intersection, the shorter path represents our mindset and goal that we want to achieve. The longer path represents the advancements and progress. Bringing these paths together symbolizes that we, as a team, want to set our goal and reach that intersection where we bring advancements and progress to humanity.
