Research

Image from Hofer et al. “The H9 Magnetically Shielded Hall Thruster”, Presented at the 35th International Electric Propulsion Conference (2017)

Collaborative project with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory on synthesis and characterization of dielectric coatings for Hall thrusters used in electric propulsion systems. Includes examination of interfaces of the layered system to assess chemical and mechanical adhesion of the ceramic coating.

Photograph of realgar-type paint outs prepared and taken by Celia Chari, including α-As2S2, β-As2S2, γ-As2S2, g-AsxSx, and As2S3. 

Collaborative project with scientists at Harvard's Center for Nanoscale Systems and Center for Crystallographic Studies, looking into the atomic-scale, visible light-induced alteration mechanisms of arsenic sulfide mineral-based pigments, and their associated color changes. Systematically investigating changes seen in realgar (α-As2S2), bonazziite (β-As2S2), pararealgar (γ-As2S2), and artificial realgar (g-AsxSx).

Image from Chari et al. "Oxidation resistance of AlN/BN via mullite-type Al₁₈B₄O₃₃". Journal of the European Ceramic Society (2022)

Project studying oxide layers of Al18B4O33 on surfaces of oxidized AlN/BN composites. Compared to traditional AlN, introducing BN to the material protects it against oxidation due to interactions between liquid B2O3 and the composite, forming mullite-like Al18B4O33 whiskers and hollow crystals. 

Photograph of Celia Chari collecting reflectance FTIR data from a manuscript (1960.53) at the Harvard Art Museums

Project in collaboration with scientists at the Center for Nanoscale Systems at Harvard, focused on developing a spectral database of pigments on paper for the non-invasive identification of artists' materials on two-dimensional artworks. Developing spectral classification tool by combining reflectance FTIR database with deep learning algorithms.

Scanning electron image of porous earthenware taken by Celia Chari, showing interlocking aluminosilicate sheets

Collaborative project with Prof. Rosenzweig’s group at University of Maryland, Baltimore County on experimentally studying surface interactions between sulfur-containing species and aluminosilicates. Aim is to identify potential degradation mechanisms of pottery exposed to acidic conditions by monitoring the formation of aluminum sulfate. 

Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Teapot, 1723–1724. The Art Institute of Chicago. Seen in Chari et al. "Nanoscale Engineering of Gold Particles in 18th Century Böttger Lusters and Glazes". PNAS (2022)

Project on Böttger lusterware, originally produced by the Meissen Manufactory in the 18th century. Involves replicating luster glaze and porcelain, comparing recreations to historic samples from Meissen. Investigates the optical origins of the purple, Au nanoparticle-rich luster layer using both microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.