Hala Habib
Sophomore at Princeton University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. I’m majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a concentration on Electronic Devices and Materials.
MOSFET module. The chip in the middle is the transistor. Tap to switch it on or off, drag to spin.
About Me
I’m an international student from Latakia, Syria. Other than my passion for engineering, I’m someone who cares about access to education. I’m currently volunteering as a college application mentor for Syrian students with SYE Initiative, where I focus on one student’s college application needs.
I also work with the Audio/Video services on campus as a student employee, where I support the Princeton Community’s AV needs in a fast-paced campus environment. In addition to that, I enjoy playing music and jamming with friends on campus.
Research
Phase Evolution and Optoelectronic Behavior of Halide Perovskites
I study the electrical and optical properties of halide perovskites, and how they change when amine-derivative additives are introduced. I make hybrid 3D/2D perovskites with an MBA cation, test their stability, and measure how the material’s structure affects the way it absorbs light and carries charge.
Background
Halide perovskites are semiconductors with promising properties for solar cells and light-emitting devices. Their performance and stability depend strongly on which crystal phases form and how those phases change over time, which directly impacts their optoelectronic properties: how they absorb light, and how charge moves through them. Combining 2D and 3D perovskite phases is a common strategy for tuning that behavior, which is why understanding the link between structure and electrical behavior matters.
The Material
The perovskite I work with, FAPbI3 (formamidinium lead iodide), is a metal halide perovskite with the ABX3 structure. A lead ion sits at the center of an octahedron of six iodide ions, and the organic formamidinium cation fills the gaps between neighboring octahedra.
- FA+ in the center cage
- Pb2+ inside each octahedron
- I- at the octahedron corners
FAPbI3 structure: corner-sharing PbI6 octahedra around the FA+ cation. Idealized. Drag to spin it.
How the Work Flows
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Fabricate
Make pure 2D perovskites and hybrid 2D/3D perovskites.
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Probe the Optics
Run photoluminescence (PL) testing on the fabricated samples to see how they respond to light.
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Measure the Electronics
Test conductivity while varying temperature and voltage in a double ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) system, with the setup controlled and the data collected in LabVIEW.
Play with the Sweep
My conductivity measurements sweep voltage at different temperatures. Drag the sliders to see how a diode-like device’s current responds, or press the button to sweep the voltage for you.
Schematic diode curve in arbitrary units, for illustration only. It is not my measured data. The faint lines mark 300 K and 400 K.
Methods and Tools
- Thin-film perovskite fabrication (2D and hybrid 2D/3D)
- Photoluminescence spectroscopy
- Temperature-dependent I-V and conductivity measurements
- Double UHV measurement system
- LabVIEW instrument control and data acquisition
Skills I’m Building
- Designing experiments and changing one variable at a time, like additive, temperature, or voltage
- Careful, repeatable sample fabrication and handling
- Running and automating lab instruments with LabVIEW
- Analyzing and interpreting optical and electrical measurement data
- Connecting a material’s structure to how it behaves in a device
- Reading scientific literature and communicating results
Experience
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Undergraduate Researcher, Kahn Lab, Princeton University
Research the optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskites. See the research section above for details.
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Student Employee, Princeton Audio/Video Services
Serve as the Princeton community’s first contact for AV needs in classes and events.
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Computer Technician Intern, Megasoft International Company for IT
Studied computer system architecture, including assembly, configuration, and troubleshooting of hardware components and software systems.
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Work Experience Intern, Uber Technologies Inc. (with Delta Careers)
Ideated, evaluated, and designed a version of Uber’s ridesharing app for teens with a team of 3 in a cohort of 22 international students.
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Tech Event Organizer, Youth Guide
Organized 16 free tech workshops across Syria for 700+ people. Coordinated agendas, secured sponsorships, and recruited attendees and volunteers.
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Graphic Design Coach, Orjwan Consulting Agency
Designed and implemented a graphic design curriculum for beginner students, with a focus on practical learning.