Department of Physics

condensed matter physics (experimental)

My present research encompasses activities in neutron scattering and source development, x-ray absorption and scattering, and applications of these techniques to studying quantum entanglement in materials. Having just recently stepped down as department Chair, I have also ramped up my efforts in promoting diversity both within our own department and nationally. My efforts in neutron scattering have focused on developments of novel neutron instrumentation and moderators. My work has helped spur international interest in the development of Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources (CANS) and the expansion of neutron techniques beyond the realm of expensive and complex nuclear reactor and spallation facilities. The key outcome from the neutron instrumentation work has been the development of mode-entangled neutron beams (together with Roger Pynn, Gerardo Ortiz, and Mike Snow); we are now actively engaged in assessing the power of such beams to enhance the resolution of various neutron scattering techniques and potentially to provide qualitatively new information on entanglement in quantum materials. Our x-ray efforts are concentrating on time-resolved studies that can shed new light on quantum dynamics in such processes as light harvesting and excitations in many-body systems, but also include investigations of novel magnetic materials.

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