Rish Rastogi

NOTE: This is a class project, not a job. Led and worked in a team of 6 to design, build, and test LifeGrip, a prototype that restores independence to one-handed users by enhancing grip strength and grip reach. Managed the mechanical gripping subsystem of the product and co-authored a professional project report. Learned about the engineering design process and effective teamwork. View the Final Project Presentation Here: https://prezi.com/4jujxuc7ybtn/lifegrip/

Conducting lab research under Professor Lewis in the Hybrid Electronics Characterization Lab refining the fabrication process of gold STM probes through electrochemical etching to optimize probe quality. The objective is to fabricate a Scanning Tunneling Microscope probe that is as consistently sharp and smooth as possible. To do this we submerge a gold wire (electrode) into a solution of ethanol and hydrochloric acid. To complete the circuit, a separate gold wire shaped in a ring (counter electrode) is placed at the surface of the solution. Both wires are connected to a voltage source, and current is run through the circuit. The gold in the electrode reacts to the lighter chlorine ions at the surface and forms a heavier substance AuCl. This sinks to the bottom, making space for more reactions. Eventually the wire is weakened at the surface just enough so that the weight of the submerged fragment breaks off on its own, and current stops flowing. This leaves the electrode with an incredibly sharp tip, the apex diameter at the nano-scale level. Videos can be found here: https://prezi.com/6vk5dth2tnsp/hybrid-electronics-characterization-lab-electrochemical-etching/