Brochure: Experimental Condensed Matter Program

NMR & Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Hyperpolarized Gases Magnetic resonance techniques have led to revolutions in practically all scientific fields from physics all the way to medical diagnostics. Physicists at the University of Utah are working on overcoming a key limitation of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, which is the finite resolution due to low nuclear polarization by exploring high non-equilibrium polarization schemes.

Experimental Condensed Matter

Spin Dynamics Electronic spin phenomena in semiconductor nanostructures is fundamental for spin-based electronics and quantum computation. We investigate spin dynamics in inorganic and organic semiconductor nanostructures for potential device applications, by developing highly sensitive optical spectroscopies based on both ultrafast pump-probe method and passive spin noise method.

Spin-Dependent Processes In Condensed Matter The spin-degree of freedom of electrons and atomic nuclei can control electric currents and light emission in semiconductors. We study these effects experimentally in order to develop extremely sensitive spin measurement techniques for electron- and nuclear-spins. These are needed for new spintronics and spin quantum information technologies, but also for the exploration of how spin effects determine electrical and optical properties of electronic materials.

201 James Fletcher Bldg.

115 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0830 (801) 581-6901

Dept of Physics & Astronomy University of Utah www.physics.utah.edu www.astro.utah.edu

Nano-Optics We investigate nanoscopic systems such as individual molecules or nanometer sized metal structures spectroscopically. In contrast to macroscopic optical spectroscopy this allows us to resolve the behavior of individual systems rather than just the net behavior of large ensembles which averages out information about its distinct constituents.

Experimental Condensed Matter The Physics & Astronomy Department at the University of Utah encompasses a wide range of research activities. In experimental condensed matter research, much attention is given to the development of new optical, electrical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods and their application to the exploration of new electronic, magnetic and optical materials. Both organic and inorganic semiconductors are investigated, impacting many fields of application ranging from microelectronics and sensors to solar cells and light sources. Through the Materials Research Science & Engineering Center (MRSEC) program at the University of Utah supported by the National Science Foundation, in which six faculty are from physics, we also investigate organic spintronics and plasmonics that include basic science and applications.

Nano-Imaging Physicists at the University of Utah have invented a single-electron tunneling method for sub-nanometer scale imaging and spectroscopic measurements of individual quantum states in semiconductors, dielectrics, single molecules and nano-materials with sub- 25 meV energy resolution.

This new tool is also being developed to detect the spin of single electrons, providing new insight into atomic scale electronic structure.

Low Temperature Transport Properties of Nanoscale Systems We are interested in low-temperature quantum phenomena in nano-scale systems such as superconducting and magnetic nanowires, magnetic nanoparticles and molecules. Using state-of-the-art electron beam lithography, we fabricate devices with dimension below 10 nm and study their properties with ultra-sensitive transport and noise techniques.

Spin Effects in Electronic Materials The spin-degree of freedom of electrons and atomic nuclei can control electric currents and light emission in semiconductors.

We study these effects experimentally in order to develop extremely sensitive spin measurement techniques for electron- and nuclear-spins. These are needed for new spintronics and spin quantum information technologies, but also for the exploration of how spin effects determine electrical and optical properties of electronic materials.

Thermoacoustic Heat Conversion We investigate the conversion of heat into electricity by means of thermoacoustic devices which could take advantage of excess heat sources such as smoke stacks. This work aims to open the way to a simple, environmentally safe, low maintenance and effective energy source.

Organic Semiconductor Materials We study electronic properties of new plastic based electronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes, organic magnetic sensors organic spin valves, and organic solar cells. The work involves both basic research on the fundamental microscopic properties and interactions in these materials, as well as applied research on novel device concepts and strategies.

Disordered Semiconductors With Magnetic Resonance Disordered semiconductors such as hydrogenated amorphous silicon have important technical applications including solar cells and thin film displays. In spite of this, their electronic properties are still not fully understood. We investigate their structure, electronic transport & loss mechanisms.

To learn more about the Condensed Matter program, visit: www.physics.utah.edu