Condensed matter physics

Condensed matter physics

Condensed matter physics addresses the behavior of the large collection of atoms. Particular areas of interest include quantum phase transitions, topological insulators, electronic, thermal and mechanical properties of advanced materials.


On the experimental side, the group has been successful at studying new materials, including crystal structures with novel properties, and has been studying mesoscopic superconducting junctions and devices. Theorists in the group combine massively parallel Monte Carlo simulations for the study of low-temperature, and quantum phase transitions. Other aspects of the diverse research program carried out in the solid-state physics group include  the complex structure of amorphous oxide semiconductors , wave propagation in complex media, and thermal and mechanical properties of materials in extreme environments.

Faculty pursuing researched in condensed matter physics are Dr. Aleksandr Chernatynskiy, Dr. Halyna Hodovanets, Dr. Yew San Hor, Dr. Hyunsoo Kim, Dr. Julia Medvedeva, Dr. Thomas Vojta, and Dr. Alexey Yamilov.

Dr. Aleksandr Chernatynskiy studies of the thermal, mechanical  and electronic properties of materials in extreme environments utilizing atomistic simulations. 

Dr. Hodovanets' research interests include synthesis and discovery, characterization, and optimization of novel quantum materials (e.g. Weyl semimetals, superconductors, antiferro- and ferromagnets, magnetocaloric and thermoelectric materials) in a single crystalline form. She studies exotic electronic and quantum states of matter that are realized in quantum materials and can be tuned with chemical substitution, magnetic field, or application of pressure. 

Previously of Princeton University, Dr. Yew San Hor has been counted among one of the most highly cited physicists over the last five years by Thomson Reuters. He leads an experimental solid-state program that has succeeded in producing sophisticated crystal structures, which serve as models for axion terms within the crystal lattice

Dr. Hyunsoo Kim's research activities focus on quantum materials research and low-temperature experiment with various techniques. His expertise includes the 0.001ppm precision measurement utilizing rf-techniques with the frequency ranging from MHz to GHz at the mK temperature range and high magnetic fields. He is interested in understanding fundamental physics and in the discovery of novel quasiparticles and their interactions in solid-state systems. He is also interested in the application of exotic matters such as topological phases to the new information technology that includes quantum devices and quantum computation.

Research efforts in computational condensed matter physics combine large-scale ab-initio calculations with analytic models to understand fundamental properties of advanced materials. Dr. Medvedeva focuses on complex physics of transparent conducting oxides, amorphous oxide semiconductors and other systems.

Dr. Dan Waddill performs atomic scale investigations of surfaces and interfaces, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoelectron diffraction for the study of the composition and structure of surfaces, interfaces, and thin films.

Dr. Gerald Wilemski studies binary homogeneous nucleation and droplet growth, the compositional structure of binary nanodroplets, homogeneous aerosol formation in supersonic gas expansions, particle nucleation and growth in supercritical fluids, and small angle neutron scattering from nanodroplet aerosols.

Dr. Thomas Vojta is a theorist working at the boundary between condensed matter and statistical physics. He investigates the long-time and large-distance behavior of quantum system with many degrees of freedom, using quantum field theory as well as numerical simulations. His expertise includes quantum and classical phase transitions, critical behavior, magnetism, superconductivity, and transport in disordered materials.

Dr. Alexey Yamilov investigates wave propagation in complex media and conducts analytical and numerical modeling with a view toward experimental corroboration. This topic spans the areas of condensed matter physics, optics and photonics.