Nanoscience, Condensed Matter and Surface Science Physics Research
Nanoscience, Condensed Matter and Surface Science Physics Research
The nano-scale, at a billionth of a meter, is the size-scale of atoms. At this scale, the world obeys the laws of quantum mechanics, where particles behave like waves and waves appear as particles. In this nano-world, we can predict the properties of semiconductors, used inside computer chips, and build new nano-machines made up of just a few atoms. We use this information to build new devices such as quantum computers and learn about how a property of the electron called spin interacts between nano-scale regions called quantum dots. These topic and others are open to directed research projects by both undergraduate and graduate students.
Research Faculty
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Horacio CastilloTheoretical Condensed Matter, Supercooled Liquids, Glasses and Granular MaterialsDr. Castillo's group performs theoretical calculations and numerical simulations to study fluctuations in glasses and granular materials. We are interested both in equilibrium behavior, where the macroscopic state of the system stays constant over time, and on nonequilibrium (aging) behavior, where the system is evolving towards equilibrium.
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Gang ChenExperimental Condensed Matter, Disordered MaterialsDr. Chen uses brilliant X-rays generated by relativistic electrons from synchrotron radiation to study atomic and nanoscale structures of disordered materials. For his research, he utilizes the synchrotron x-ray facilities at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois and the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York.
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David DraboldTheoretical Condensed Matter, Computational Methodology for Electronic Structure, and Theory of Topologically Disordered MaterialsIn addition to creating realistic computer models of amorphous materials, Dr. Drabold has developed a number of new computational algorithms for the efficient and accurate simulation of these and other materials using approaches based upon the foundation of quantum mechanics.
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Alexander GovorovTheoretical Studies of Nanoscale PhenomenaDr. Govorov studies optical and electronic phenomena in nanostructures such as quantum dots, quantum rings, colloidal nanocrystals, and nanowires. He collaborates with many experimental groups worldwide, and his ideas about the physics at the nanometer scale are implemented in many experimental laboratories.
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Saw-Wai HlaExperimental NanophysicsDr. Hla’s research is focused on nano and quantum sciences using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), synchrotron x-ray STM and atomic/molecular manipulation. He is a world leading researcher in the areas of STM single molecule manipulations, single molecule spintronics, and molecular machines on surfaces.
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David IngramAtomic Collisions in Solids, Thin Film Deposition and AnalysisAs an experimentalist, Dr. Ingram works on growing new materials and studying their properties. His interests led him into the study of the interaction of energetic particles with matter and now into areas of applied nuclear science where low energy nuclear physics and materials science intersect.
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Martin KordeschMicroscopy of surfaces, amorphous and crystalline semiconductors, metal-oxide cathodesDr. Kordesch initially worked on the in situ observation of CVD diamond growth with emission microscopes. His current research involves the growth and characterization of low work function surfaces, carbon nanosheets and nanotextured surfaces for field emission.
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Nancy SandlerTheoretical Condensed MatterDr. Sandler's research focuses on: 1) Effect of combined mechanical deformations and magnetism on electronic properties of two-dimensional systems, 2) Time-dependent phenomena: characterization of driven and quenched dynamics in interacting and non-interacting electronic systems, and 3: Spin Qubits in microwave cavities.
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Arthur SmithExperimental Condensed Matter Physics, Surface PhysicsDr. Smith investigates the geometrical, electronic, and magnetic structure of surfaces and thin films, including metals and semiconductors. A growing emphasis is on the use of spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to obtain ultimate magnetic/spin resolution for magnetic/spintronic surfaces.
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Eric StinaffExperimental Condensed Matter and Spectroscopy of NanostructuresDr. Stinaff's research investigates the optical and electronic properties of novel semiconductor materials, nanostructures and nanostructure-based devices. Through the detailed spectroscopic study of individual nanostructures this work aims to help facilitate various applications such as quantum information processing, single-photon sources, novel detectors, and lasers.
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Sergio UlloaTheoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Institutes & Facilities
Nanoscale & Quantum Phenomena Institute
Advancing advance cross-disciplinary research, educational, and technological innovation efforts in active areas of materials science and engineering.
Physics & Astronomy Research Facilities & Labs
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