Condensed matter physics studies the macroscopic and microscopic properties of the “condensed” phases of matter: metals, insulators, semiconductors, superconductors, nanostructures, liquids, and so forth. Nationally, this is the largest and most active area of physics research. Our interests at BYU center on the electronic, magnetic, optical, structural, and dynamic properties of nanostructures and solids, using experimental, theoretical, and computational methods. Our current activities include creation of new nanostructured materials and their study by scanning probe microscopy, magnetometry, and electron-based microscopy and spectroscopy; X-ray and neutron-scattering; computational studies of novel alloys and nanostructures; group theoretical methods applied to phase transitions in crystals; motion and structure of defects in crystals; optical and magnetic resonance studies of electrons and spin coherence in semiconductor nanostructures; magnetic memory and reversal processes in ferromagnetic thin films; and dynamics of superparamagnetic nanoparticles.
Materials Faculty Members
Branton Campbell
Research Specialty: Materials physics and structure property relationships (Experimental/Theoretical/Computational)
Contact
- Office: N145 ESC
- 801.422.5758
- branton@byu.edu
- physics.byu.edu/faculty/campbell/
Research Projects
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Flexible framework materials
We use advanced mathematical tools to study the ability of crystalline inorganic materials to undergo origami-like transformations on an atomic scale, which have a profound affect on their macroscopic physical properties.
This work includes experimental, theoretical, and computational aspects. Participants have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art research tools and methods to solve cutting-edge materials-physics problems involving superconductors, piezoelectrics, photovoltaics, spintronics, negative-thermal-expansion compounds, and catalysts.
Suggested Preparation:No prerequisites. Participants will need to become familiar with aspects of crystal symmetry, crystal chemistry, linear algebra, and Mathematica programming.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Topological materials
We are exploring the use of mathematical symmetry and topology to design crystal defects that endow a solid-state material with novel physical properties. This work involves theoretical and computational aspects.
This work includes theoretical and computational aspects. Participants have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art research tools and methods to solve cutting-edge materials physics problems involving advanced functional materials such as superconductors, piezoelectrics, photovoltaics, and magnetoresistors.
Suggested Preparation:No prerequisites. Students will need to become familiar with basic principles of crystal symmetry, physical property tensors, algebra and topology.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Phase transformations in crystalline materials
We develop group-theoretical tools for computing and visualizing structural distortions in crystalline materials in order to predict and understand their impact on strategic material properties.
This work includes experimental, theoretical, and computational aspects. Participants have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art research tools and methods to solve cutting-edge materials physics problems involving advanced functional materials such as superconductors, piezoelectrics, photovoltaics, and magnetoresistors.
Suggested Preparation:No prerequisites. Participants will need to become familiar with crystal symmetry, material properties, and Mathematica programming.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
Karine Chesnel
Research Specialty: Magnetic nanostructures
Contact
- Office: N347 ESC
- 801.422.5687 (office)
- 801.422.4270 (lab)
- kchesnel@byu.edu
- physics.byu.edu/faculty/chesnel
Research Projects
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Magnetic properties in nanomaterials
We study magnetic properties in matter at the nanoscopic scale. Tools we use include magnetometry techniques (VSM, EHE, SMOKE), magnetic microscopy (MFM) and synchrotron techniques (XMCD, XMRS, magnetic speckles...). Types of systems we study vary from thin films (ferromagnetic, exchange bias), superparamagnetic nanoparticles, magnetically dopped materials with interesting electronic and optical properties...Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Magnetometry
We measure the magnetic response of materials to an applied magnetic field, using various types of magnetometry, including Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), Extraordinary Hall Effect (EHE) and Surface Magneto-optical Kerr Effect (SMOKE)
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Magnetic imaging
We use Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) to image magnetic domains in ferrmagnetic thin films. The domain pattern may vary from a stripe maze pattern to a bubble pattern depending on the magnetic history. We study in particular the effect of the magnitude of the previously applied field on the domain pattern at remanence, when the field is brought back to zero.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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X-ray magnetic scattering
We use synchrotron x-ray radiation to carry x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS) experiment at synchrotron facilities, such as NSLS, ALS APS, SLAC... The XRMS signal provides with information on the nanoscale magnetic correlations existing in the material under certain conditions of magnetic field and temperature.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
John Colton
Research Specialty: Optical spectroscopy of semiconductors, with an emphasis in spin properties and semiconductor nanostructures
Contact
- Office: N335 ESC
- 801.997.0572 (office)
- 801.422.5286 (lab)
- 801.358.1970 (mobile)
- john_colton@byu.edu
- physics.byu.edu/research/coltonlab/
Research Projects
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2D metal-halide perovskites for solar applications
"2D hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites" are a recently discovered class of semiconductors being studied in the hopes of developing highly efficient, low-cost, stable solar cells. Metal and halogen (group VII) atoms bind together in 2D layers, which are then stacked together via organic linker molecules. We are studying these interesting and important materials through optical absorption, electric field-modulated absorption, photoluminescence (fluorescence), time-dependent photoluminescence on nanosecond time scales, and dielectric spectroscopies. This allows us to determine important properties of the electrons inside these materials, to make better photovoltaic materials.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Nanoparticles as temperature sensors
We're working with a mechanical engineering professor (Troy Munro) to use semiconductor nanoparticles as temperature sensors. The wavelengths of light present in the nanoparticles' photoluminescence (aka fluorescence), and the time it takes for the luminescence to be emitted after the electrons have been excited both depend on the temperature. By characterizing the nanoparticles’ photoluminescence spectrum in both wavelength and time as a function of temperature, we hope to be able to use the nanoparticles as non-invasive temperature sensors in e.g. medical applications. For example, one could use the optical emission from nanoparticles injected into tissue to monitor temperatures as focused ultrasound is used to heat up and destroy tumors.Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
Robert Davis
Research Specialty: Applied Micro and Nanoscale Materials
Contact
- Office: N281A ESC
- 801.422.6159 (lab)
- 801.885.7070 (mobile)
- davis@byu.edu
- nano.byu.edu
Research Projects
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Biomolecular Electronics
Carbon nanotubes, proteins and nucleic acids are candidate structures for self assembled molecular electronic materials for sensing and the internet of things. .Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Nanostructures and Micromachines
We are developing three dimensional microscale structures from vertically grown nanotube forests. We are using films of carbon atoms, few atoms thick, to make ultrastrong materials.Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Biological Separations
This work is focused on capture of cells and molecules using precision filters for the detection of cancer and antibiotic resistant bacteria.Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
Dennis Della Corte
Research Specialty: Computational Protein Design, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, ForceFields calculations, precompetitive pharma industry consortia
Contact
- Office: N361 ESC
- 801.422.7834 (office)
- 801.949.6827 (mobile)
- dennis.dellacorte@byu.edu
- physics.byu.edu/research/dellacortelab/about
Research Projects
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Protein Engineering
We develop and apply AI methods to the design of proteins.
Suggested Preparation:Python programming.
Structural biology (know your amino acids).
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
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Data Science in Nutrition
We develop data science tools to understand the link between dietary intakes and health outcomes.
Suggested Preparation:Statistics.
Python/R.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
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AI in Medicine
We train AI models for applications in the medical field, particular emphasis on automatic prostate cancer diagnosis.
Suggested Preparation:Python.
Machine Learning (CS 474).
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
Benjamin Frandsen
Research Specialty: Condensed Matter Physics--Investigating the local structure and magnetism of advanced materials using particle beams of x-rays, neutrons, and muons at large-scale accelerator facilities.
Contact
- Office: N345 ESC
- 801.422.2341
- benfrandsen@byu.edu
- physics.byu.edu/faculty/frandsen
Research Projects
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Atomic and magnetic structure investigations of quantum materials and technologically relevant materials
One of the first steps toward understanding any given material of interest (a new superconductor, an unusual magnetic material, an energy-related compound, etc) is determining its atomic and magnetic structure. We utilize beams of x-rays, neutrons, and muons at large-scale accelerator facilities to do just that. Our primary experimental techniques include atomic and magnetic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, conventional x-ray and neutron scattering, and muon spin relaxation/rotation. A few times a year, we visit these types of facilities to collect data, and then we come back home to analyze and make sense of it all. Through this process, we hope to shed light on the origin of the material's properties by gaining a detailed understanding of the local and average atomic and magnetic structure. If you are interested, please reach out and we can discuss if a spot is available!
Suggested Preparation:Proficiency with python (or a willingness and aptitude to learn).
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Developing open source, python-based software for investigating atomic and magnetic structure
Data are only useful if we can understand them, and to understand them, we often need specialized tools. We are currently developing open source, python-based software tools to analyze experimental data collected from condensed matter experiments using x-ray, neutron, and muon beams. The software will maximize research effectiveness and enable new methods of analysis not only for our own research group, but also for the wider community of condensed matter physicists using similar types of experimental methods. If you are interested, please reach out and we can discuss if a spot is available!
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
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Investigating the structure of molten salts for alternative nuclear reactor designs
Molten salt reactors (MSRs) are a promising nuclear reactor design concept in which molten ionic salts function as the coolant and/or fuel source in the reactor. MSRs have many potential advantages over standard designs in commercial use today, including greatly enhanced safety/security and the ability to produce critical medical radioisotopes in addition to vast amounts of carbon-free electricity. To make MSRs a reality, it is necessary to understand and predict the behavior of the salts in operating conditions. Gaining a detailed knowledge of the local structure of the molten salts on the atomic scale is an essential step in this direction, since the local interactions between constituent atoms determine the macroscopic properties. In this project, we use cutting-edge neutron and x-ray total scattering and computational modeling techniques to establish the structure of relevant molten salts. If you are interested, please reach out and we can discuss if a spot is available!
Suggested Preparation:Proficiency with python (or a willingness and aptitude to learn) and willingness to learn to use modeling software specific for neutron and x-ray scattering.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
Gus Hart
Research Specialty: Machine Learning, Modeling and Simulation, Biophysics
Contact
- Office: N267 Eyring Science Center
- gus.hart@byu.edu
Research Projects
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Image AI for bacterial tomograms
We are developing AI to identify nanostructures inside of bacteria. In collaboration with Grant Jensen's lab (who has about 40,000 images taken over 20 years) we are working to understand basic life processes. Our focus includes some "standard" computer vision methods as well as new methods based on neural networks, transformers, etc. We also collaborate with Bryan Morse's lab in CS.
Suggested Preparation:A work ethic, excitement for research, the ability to balance research and homework, enthusiasm for new things, the desire to contribute positively to a team. Programming and software skills or the desire to develop them. Enthusiasm for math and more math.
Suitable for- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students
Richard Vanfleet
Research Specialty: Atomic and near atomic scale studies of materials by transmission electron microscopy (experimental)
Contact
- Office: N243 ESC
- 801.422.1702 (office)
- 801.422.2013 (lab)
- rrv3@byu.edu
Research Projects
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Atomic and near atomic scale studies of materials by Transmission Electron Microscopy.
We attempt to determine in as direct observational way as possible the way materials actually chose to arrange themselves. This is often in contrast to how man has attempted to arrange them. We are interested in the structural arrangement of atoms as well as the elemental and bonding arrangements of atoms within nanometer scale features of the sample. An undergraduate would learn to prepare samples for TEM analysis as well as learn the basics of TEM operation to analyze their samples in the TEM.Suitable for
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- REU students