Ken Araki
Tempe,AZ
Summary
Dedicated scientist with over three years of experience in laboratory settings, specializing in DOE methodologies and material synthesis. Proficient in thin film characterization techniques, including ellipsometry, FTIR, and four-point probe measurements, along with expertise in processing methods such as sputtering and e-beam evaporation. Improved cost-effective VO2 fabrication methods and engineered infrared emissivity coatings through the application of global optimization and machine learning tools. Recognized for strong collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, adaptability to evolving project requirements, and a proven track record of delivering impactful results through rigorous experimental design and data analysis.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Researcher
Arizona State University
01.2023 - Current
- Applied a PECVD diffusion barrier, after identifying process failures with FTIR, successfully protecting thin film coatings during thermal processing
- Improved VO2 infrared transmittance from 23% to 46% through cost-effective sputtering and rapid annealing, matching MBE/PLD quality
- Designed temperature stages using a thermoelectric cooler and water block for FTIR analysis
- Built and validated a temperature-dependent four-point probe station operating from -20C to 100C for electrical resistivity characterization
- Built and validated a lab-scale vacuum system for outdoor experiments with heat transfer modeling
- Mitigated thermal shock effect with ALD-based oxide layer by introducing thermal expansion coefficient gradient within the thin film
- Generated 60–400 mV using VO2 thin films in a custom vacuum setup
- Demonstrated a 170K daytime temperature rise and 17K nighttime drop with VO2-coated substrates
Graduate Researcher
University of North Texas
08.2019 - 12.2022
- Led a project on VO2 synthesis in optical characterization by using an ellipsometry (VASE)
- Minimized solar absorptivity from 0.75 to 0.5 with high contrast grating in VO2 thermal emitters by leading FDTD simulations focused on solar absorptivity
Education
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Texas
Denton, TX12.2022
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Niigata University
Niigata, Japan03.2019
Associate in Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology, Gunma College
Maebashi, Japan03.2017
Skills
- Characterization (Ellipsometry, FTIR, Four-Point Probes, Profilometer, Optical Reflectometer)
- Data acquisition and analysis (digital multimeter, source meter, MATLAB, Excel)
- Process engineering (sputtering, e-beam evaporation, PECVD, RTP)
- Programming (Python, C, MATLAB)
- Machine learning and Neural Networks based optimization techniques
- Thermal modeling, testing, measurements & validation (Design of experiments)
- Thermal sensors (thermocouples, thermistors, infrared camera), Heat flux sensor
- Finite element analysis (SOLIDWORKS simulation)
Accomplishments
- Achieved over 30% of computational time by introducing Bayesian optimization for complex refractive index fitting tasks.
- Achieved experimental data validation by completing theoretical modeling with accuracy and efficiency.
- Documented and resolved vanadium dioxide thin film synthesis which led to doubling the infrared transmittance contrast.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Japanese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Postdoctoral Researcher
Arizona State University
01.2023 - Current
Graduate Researcher
University of North Texas
08.2019 - 12.2022
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
University of North Texas
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
Niigata University
Associate in Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering
National Institute of Technology, Gunma College