Research Area: Raman, far-infrared, and photoluminescence spectroscopy of semiconductor superlattices and superconductors.
Research Interests:We use ultraviolet to submillimeter electromagnetic
radiation to probe the
properties
of condensed
matter. Our facilities
include laser-driven ultraviolet and visible spectrometers
for Raman scattering and photoluminescence, with photomultiplier
and optical multichannel detection; a far infrared Fourier
spectrometer and submillimeter optically pumped laser,
covering the range 20-1000 micrometers; a picosecond
time-correlated single-photon counting spectrometer;
access to the
National
Synchrotron Light Source at the
Brookhaven
National Laboratory, for high-power picosecond infrared
measurements. These facilities are supported by appropriate
electronic, data acquisition, and cryogenic equipment.
We
use the optical probes for fundamental and characterization
work on materials, including most semiconductor microstructures
of current interest, such as AlGaAs-and HgCdTe-based
systems; a wide variety of superconductors, including
high-Tc types such as YBaCuO, and granular systems like
NbN; and molecular systems, including liquid water. We
are also interested in detector physics, such as the
characterization of high-Tc materials and their substrates
for infrared use.
The group also has strong computing capability. In addition
to mainframe access, we operate some of the fastest and
largest microcomputers on campus. These support sophisticated
data analysis, and a new effort in simulating the optical
properties for real materials. The combination of condensed
matter and optical activity in my group gives an extremely
flexible graduate education and produces expertise which
is welcome in industrial as well as academic or government
employment. There is generally a wide variety of projects
available, with opportunities to focus on the laser and
optical aspects. The group activities are consistently
funded by outside sources, with research support for
graduate students.
Awards and Honors:
