Research
Thrusts
.... .Nanostructures
.... .Biomimetics
..... Bio-Nano
Mark Meisel - The electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties of a variety of novel low dimensional systems are investigated for the purpose of studying the underlying quantum mechanical phenomena. From room temperature down to the millikelvin temperature range, the research focuses on low dimensional organic and inorganic conductors and magnets, nanostructured antiferromagnetic particles, and novel superconducting and heavy fermion materials. The millikelvin research is extended to the microkelvin regime when the behavior of the systems requires further clarification. In addition, superfluid 3He is studied at microkelvin temperatures using ultrasonic techniques. Finally, biophysical research involves the study of plants growing in low gravity environments generated by magnetic levitation. [For a general, non-technical description of magnetic levitation related our experiments, see "Everyone's Magnetism" by Andrey Geim, Physics Today, Vol. 51, No. 9, September 1998, pp. 36-39.] All research endeavors involve collaborations with local, national, and international colleagues in physics, chemistry, and plant molecular genetics. Laboratory resources include a 9 T NMR superconducting magnet with a 88 millimeter diameter room temperature bore and a broadband spectrometer, various low temperature cryostats (including the facilities of the Microkelvin Research Laboratory), and commercial SQUID (up to 5 Tesla and down to 2 Kelvin) and vibrating sample magnetometers.Typically the research involves one to two Ph.D. students, one postdoctoral researcher, and one undergraduate student. Opportunities exist for additional students who may tailor their research to meet their interests since a variety of topics are studied in our group.