Research

Adaptive Functional Materials

The Gamage Lab develops materials and devices that dynamically alter their electronic, ionic, structural, optical, or magnetic properties in response to external stimuli.

Our research uses oxide and organic–inorganic hybrid materials as complementary platforms. We combine thin-film synthesis, nanofabrication, device measurements, and nanoscale characterization to connect material transformations with device behavior.

Adaptive Oxide Materials

We investigate correlated and ionically active oxide thin films, including rare-earth nickelates, as platforms for adaptive electronic and neuromorphic devices.

Our work examines how ionic motion, electronic correlations, structural transformations, interfaces, and defects govern resistance modulation and memory behavior. The goal is to develop physically grounded design principles for reliable adaptive devices.

Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials

We are developing organic–inorganic hybrid thin films using atomic and molecular layer deposition.

These materials provide a complementary route to adaptive functionality through molecular-level control of composition, bonding, interfaces, and mechanical properties. We aim to understand how their hybrid structure influences electrical, ionic, optical, and environmental response.

Enabling Capabilities

Our research integrates:

• Thin-film synthesis by sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and molecular layer deposition
• Micro- and nanofabrication of two-terminal devices
• Electrical and physical characterization of materials and devices
• Nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy
• Mechanistic studies linking local material transformations to macroscopic device behavior