Irina Burkova

Education

• PhD, Condensed Matter Physics, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia, 2001
• MS, Physics with Computer Science, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia, 1995
• BS, Physics with Computer Science, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia, 1993

Research Statement

My research journey began with magnetic materials and has since expanded to explore quantum effects in superconducting devices, energy storage in nanocapacitors, and the metastable state of disordered granular matter. While my work spans diverse fields, it is united by a common goal: addressing fundamental scientific challenges to create technologies with broad societal impact. By integrating theoretical models, experimental work, and interdisciplinary collaboration, I aim to push the boundaries of energy storage, quantum computing, and climate change mitigation.

Magnetic Multilayers and Giant Magnetoresistance In my doctoral research, I investigated the crystal and domain structures of three-layer ultrathin Co/Cu/Co films, focusing on their relationship with magnetic properties and giant magnetoresistance (GMR). I explored how various factors - such as substrate material, layer thickness, and thermomagnetic treatment - affect the structure, magnetism, and magnetoresistive behavior of these films. My work determined how these structural and magnetic parameters correlate with the GMR effect. I found that factors such as layer roughness, grain size, and annealing conditions can significantly influence the magnitude of GMR, offering pathways to fabricate Co/Cu/Co structures with enhanced GMR values.

Nanocapacitor Batteries for Advanced Energy Storage Currently, I am focused on developing innovative nanocapacitor batteries, which aim to address the global energy storage challenge. Unlike traditional capacitors, which store energy only on their plates, these devices store energy both on the plates and within the dielectric material. This dual-storage mechanism improves energy density (up to 100 times higher than conventional capacitors), efficiency, and charging speed, while also being compact and cost-effective. A patent for this invention has been issued, and I am advancing the theoretical models to optimize its practical implementation. 

Optoelectronic Effects in Dielectric Thin Films In a related project, I investigated ultrathin dielectric films, a critical component in electronic devices such as field-effect transistors and memory elements. My research revealed a novel negative-type photoeffect in transparent nanocapacitors where light exposure reduces leakage current. I developed a quantitative model that explained these results, providing valuable insights into designing high-performance dielectric materials for energy storage and electronic applications.

Superconducting Qubits and Quantum Memory Systems In quantum computing, my focus is on creating superconducting qubits with enhanced stability. While most groups rely on the Josephson junction for qubit design, I am working on qubits based on nanobridges. This approach, although technically challenging, offers the potential for greater stability and scalability. My research team demonstrated that these nanobridges can function as memory elements at liquid-helium temperatures, offering a cost-effective alternative to current quantum memory systems, which require even colder operating temperatures. I developed software to control these superconducting memory elements. This work could make quantum computing more practical and affordable.

Superconducting-Topological Hybrid Devices In addition, my research on integrating superconducting elements with topological insulators has led to a device capable of measuring extremely weak magnetic fields, with potential applications in quantum computing, medical imaging, and geomagnetic detection.

Proximity Effects and Superconducting Rectifiers Another key project involved studying a square array of superconducting niobium islands placed on a topological insulator film, Bi0.8Sb1.2Te3 (BST). This material, promising for topologically protected quantum computing, was thought to be difficult to induce superconductivity in. Our team showed that we could achieve high critical current and strong contact, leading to significant proximity effects. We discovered that these arrays act as superconducting analogs of optical diffraction gratings and can function as efficient superconducting rectifiers. My colleague and I developed a theoretical model to explain the 'superconducting diode' effect, which is based on the kinetic inductance of topological surface states and material inhomogeneities.

CO₂ Storage and Climate Change Mitigation My interdisciplinary research extends to the safe geologic storage of CO₂, addressing the challenge of induced seismicity in underground CO₂ storage sites. My colleague and I developed a novel technique for studying the mechanical stability of geological rocks at the microscale, offering more reliable insights into seismicity than traditional macro-scale models. This method improves risk assessments and ensures safer, more sustainable CO₂ storage, making it an important tool in mitigating climate change.

Selected Articles in Journals

• X. Song, S.S. Babu, Y. Bai, D. S. Golubev, I. Burkova, A. Romanov, E. Ilin, J.N. Eckstein, A. Bezryadin, "Interference, diffraction, and diode effects in superconducting array based on bismuth antimony telluride topological insulator", Communications Physics, 6, 177 (2023).
• E. Ilin, X. Song, I. Burkova, A. Silge, Z. Guo, K. Ilin, and A. Bezryadin, "Supercurrent-controlled kinetic inductance superconducting memory element", Applied Physics Letter, 118, 112603 (2021). Featured on the cover.
• E. Ilin, I. Burkova, E.V. Colla, M. Pak, and A. Bezryadin, "Giant energy storage effect in nanolayer capacitors charged by the field emission tunneling", Nanotechnology, 32, 155401 (2021).
• I. Burkova, E. Ilin, A.N. Belov, and A. Bezryadin, "Dimensional changes in geological sandstone caused by wetting", Physics Education, 56(3), 034001 (2021).
• E. Ilin, I. Burkova, X. Song, M. Pak, D. S. Golubev, and A. Bezryadin, "Superconducting phase transition in inhomogeneous chains of superconducting islands", Phys. Rev. B, 102, 1034502 (2020).
• E. Ilin, I. Burkova, T. Draher, E.V. Colla, and A. Bezryadin, "Coulomb barrier creation by means of electronic field emission in nanolayer capacitors", Nanoscale, 12, 18761 – 18770, (2020).
• E. Ilin, M. Marchevsky, I. Burkova, M. Pak, and A. Bezryadin, "Nanometer-Scale Deformations of Berea Sandstone Under Moisture-Content Variations", Phys. Rev. Applied,13, 024043 (2020).
• A. Belkin, E. Ilin, I. Burkova, and A. Bezryadin, "Reversed Photoeffect in Transparent Graphene Nanocapacitors", ACS Appl. Electron. Mater.,  1 (12), 2671–2677 (2019). 
• L. Chebotkevich, Yu. Vorob'ev, I. Burkova, A. Kornilov, "Structure and Magnetic Properties of Annealed Co/Cu/Co Films", Physics of Metals and Metallography, 89(3), 263 (2000).
• Yu. Vorob'ev, I. Burkova, L. Chebotkevich, "The Coercive Force and Magnetoresistance of Co/Cu/Co Films", Physics of Metals and Metallography, 89(4), 342 (2000).
• Yu. Vorob'ev, I. Burkova, L. Chebotkevich, "Magnetoresistance Effect and Coercive Force of Co/Cu/Co Three-Layer Films", Physics of Low-Dimensional Structures, 1999(5-6), 195 (1999).

Patents

• A Bezryadin, E Ilin, I Burkova, “Dielectric nanolayer capacitor and method of charging a dielectric nanolayer capacitor”, US Patent 12,131,867.

Recent Courses Taught

• PHYS 401 - Classical Physics Lab
• PHYS 403 - Modern Experimental Physics