Total energy map of methionine molecules on a graphite surface
Laboratory investigations of condensed matter, including
nanostructures, thin films, and hybrid organic/inorganic structures,
in addition to traditional solid state materials. Electronic,
magnetic, optical, and morphological properties are studied using
X-ray reflectivity, Brillouin light scattering, magnetooptical Kerr
effect, Mössbauer spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy,
electron diffraction, and others. Fundamental properties at the
surface and in the bulk, as well as applications of advanced
materials, are investigated.
Recent student contributions have included investigations into organic polymer-based solid state memory, structure of L-methionine at the liquid-solid interface, and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles.
Condensed Matter Theory
Numerical eigenstates for a two-antidot channel under a magnetic field
Computational and analytical models of thin films and nanostructures, including electron transport, optical excitation, plasmons and plasmon-polaritons in nano-scaled layered systems.
Recent student contributions have included models of magneto-plasmon polaritons in thin films, growth of thin organic semiconductor films, theory of molecular- and nanostructured electronics, and radiation transport through soft tissue for biomedical application.
Astronomy
Galaxy density contours on X-ray data of the A2199 supercluster
Observational research using ground-based and space-based data as well as archival data in the optical and near-infrared. Topics of investigation include cosmological parameters, galaxy clusters, star formation, and dust in the translucent interstellar medium.
Recent student contributions have included measurements of interstellar reddening in all-sky surveys, mass-to-light profiles in nearby galaxy clusters, and star formation at high galactic latitude.
Physics Education
APS Working Group on Physics Education Research and TA Preparation
Systematic research on the learning and teaching of physics. Aspects of student thinking that are examined include conceptual understanding, reasoning ability, and metacognition. Methods of investigation include the use of written assessments to probe student ideas as well as video studies of student interactions in classroom settings. An emphasis is the development and assessment of instructional strategies that can improve student learning.
Recent student contributions have included the identification of difficulties with multi-step reasoning in fluid dynamics and electrostatics, examination of ratio reasoning in kinematics, and the use of concept inventories to examine gender differences in student learning.
