Research Areas

Soft Matter Physics

We study the physics of liquid crystals, materials intermediate in order between crystals and liquids, which are essential for modern technology. For basic research, we investigate novel phases and phenomena, using a variety of experimental techniques including light and x-ray scattering as well as advanced characterization methods for structure and dynamics. We use analytic theory and computer simulations to model phase transitions and defect structures. In further applied research, we develop new uses for liquid crystals in displays and other technologies.

Experiment:  Phil Bos, Brett Ellman, James Gleeson, Antal Jakli, Oleg Lavrentovich, Elizabeth Mann, Samuel Sprunt, Deng-Ke Yang
Theory:  Jonathan Selinger, Robin Selinger

Quantum Condensed Matter Physics

Research in this field  includes quantum phases transitions, superconductivity, light-matter interactions, nonequilibrium quantum dynamics, magnetism,  Kondo physics, and the study of realistic quantum materials and strongly correlated electrons systems using large-scale/first principles density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory.

Experiment:  Brett Ellman, Almut Schroeder
Theory: Benjamin Fregoso, Khandker Quader, Maxim Dzero

Astrophysics

We conduct theoretical research on neutron stars and supernovae, which are objects that possess conditions so extreme that exotic phases such as hyperonic matter, quark matter, and color superconducting phases play a key role.  A recent focus has been on the physics of magnetars and, in particular, the impact of large magnetic fields on the equation of state of quark matter and nuclear matter. 

Theory:  Veronica Dexheimer

Nuclear and High Energy Physics 

Our work encompasses diverse aspects of nuclear/particle physics.  The group’s theoretical work focuses on using quantum chromodynamics to study the properties of the quark-gluon plasma, produced in high-energy collisions in the laboratory and present in the early universe.  The experimental groups carry out related research at the relativistic heavy ion collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory and at Jefferson Laboratory. More information can be found at the Center for Nuclear Research. 

Experiment:  Mina Katramatou, Declan Keane, Makis Petratos, Zhangbu Xu
Theory:  Veronica Dexheimer, Andrew Hanlon, Peter Tandy

Biophysics

Constructing complex materials using DNA nanotechnology, such as DNA-origami,  and using such materials for various purposes, ranging from drug-delivery to membrane protein localization, comprise  an important part of our work.  In addition, we use modern, cutting edge techniques to perform high precision measurements on single biomolecules and their interactions, such as DNA-protein interactions. We also pursue novel theoretical and computational models aimed at understanding protein motions important to biological function. Other efforts aim to characterize lipid monolayers and bilayers as model systems to understand fundamental structural and dynamic properties of biological membranes and properties of cellular migration in complex environments.

Experiment:  Hamza Balci, Elizabeth Mann, Oleg Lavrentovich, Thorsten-Lars Schmidt, Samuel Sprunt
Theory:  John Portman