Researchers are developing innovative approaches to accelerate scientific breakthroughs by integrating automation in experiments, artificial intelligence, and powerful computing capabilities. A breakthrough innovation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory combines cutting-edge technologies to showcase the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in autonomously driving materials synthesis and experimentation.
The autonomous supplies synthesis device employs pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to deposit a thin layer of material onto a substrate. The system subsequently leverages AI to scrutinize the relationship between the quality of the novel materials and the specific conditions under which they were synthesized, including factors such as temperature, stress, and power output generated during the PLD process. The artificial intelligence proposes an alternative scenario that will produce enhanced high-quality results; subsequently, it utilizes the Process Learning and Development (PLD) tools to execute the subsequent experiment with precision.
According to Sumner Harris, Chief of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), “We have successfully integrated laptop management of all processes into our system and implemented hardware enhancements to facilitate AI-driven experimentation.” “The automated process enables us to complete tasks at a significantly faster rate, with a 10-fold reduction in time. Moreover, the AI is capable of identifying vast parameter spaces with minimal sample sizes.”
