Research Activities of the Condensed Matter Experiment Group

lagoongreen smExperimental research on condensed matter physics at Rutgers has a long and distinguished history. The physics department is named after Bernard Serin, who in 1950 discovered the isotope effect in superconductors.

Continuing this tradition, the condensed matter experimental (CMX) group is pursuing a vigorous research program on topics at the forefront of modern condensed matter physics. Specifically, the group is actively working on: the synthesis of novel materials, the dynamics of vortex matter, quantum transport and interactions in mesoscopic conductors, the metal-insulator transition and correlated-electron effects, low dimensional quantum magnets, quantum fluids and solids, two-dimensional electron systems, sonoluminescence, colossal magneto-resistance, ferroelectricity, magnetism, and forefront x-ray characterization studies. Several of the condensed matter group are also members of the Laboratory for Surface Modification (see more about LSM below) and conduct research at the atomic level in the physics and chemistry of surfaces, interfaces, and thin films, including electronic and structural properties, dynamical processes, and surface catalysis. Our CMX and LSM laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments that give access to ultra-low temperatures, ultra-high vacuum, high magnetic fields, and atomic-resolution imaging.

Many active collaborations with members of related departments (especially Chemistry and Engineering departments) are ongoing. In addition, several members of the group have strong connections with such national facilities as Brookhaven National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory and make use of X-ray and neutron scattering facilities at these laboratories.

 

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Laboratory for Surface Modification

Laboratory for Surface Modification (LSM) is an interdisciplinary laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, involving approximately twenty faculty members from different departments. The facility is centered in the NANOPHYSICS Laboratory (NPL) located behind the Serin Physics Building, and is directed by Professor Yves Chabal.

Surface Science encompasses research in the overlapping disciplines of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Research in all these areas is necessary to advance scientific knowledge of the phenomena occuring at the atomic level at surfaces and interfaces, and there is considerable interest in fundamental concepts and phenomena at surfaces. Current activities include ultrathin films for microelectronics applications, electronic states in metallic quantum wells, dynamics of adsorption and desorption, atomic-level morphology of modified surfaces, radiation-stimulated surface processes. Progress in this field has impact on such diverse areas as telecommunications, microelectronics and computer science, petroleum processing, space physics, materials science, and minerals and chemicals.

 

Members of the Condensed Matter Experiment Group