Materials Sciences Division
Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Chemistry Program
Structure and Dynamics of Solids, Liquids, and Surfaces
— Determination of atomic arrangements of atoms and the consequent physical
properties of materials
— Ordered and disordered solids and liquids probed by X-ray and neutron scattering
— Surfaces probed by scanning tunneling microscopy, photoelectron diffraction, and
holography
— Theory, modeling, and computer simulation to provide understanding and predictive
capability
Electronic Structure
— Determination of optical, transport, thermodynamic, and magnetic properties using a
variety of spectroscopies such as NMR, infrared, photoemission
— Correlation of electronic spectra and structure with materials properties such as
photovolatic, superconducting, magnetic, and reactive properties
New Materials Synthesis for improved properties through new
combinations of atoms and new degrees of complexity, e.g., competing interactions among
spin, charge, lattice
— Low-dimensional structures, e.g., thin films, multilayers, self-assembled
monolayers, micelles
— High-temperature superconductors and other complex structures
— Organic conductors, superconductors, and magnets
— Complex fluids, colloids, polymers, and biomolecular materials
Surfaces and Interfaces
— Electronic structure at surfaces and interfaces to determine catalytic activity,
patterns of crystal growth for special structure (such as multilayered materials), and
corrosive, adhesive, and electrochemical properties
Development of Experimental Techniques
— Spin polarized NMR
— Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy
— X-ray microscopy, spectromicroscopy, photoelectron holography
— 100 Tesla pulsed magnet
