Research Capabilities and Impact

Our research in electrical, magnetic and optical properties of materials makes modern computation and communication possible.

The electronics in optical communication systems, electric motors, and photovoltaic cells, for instance, rely on electrical, magnetic and optical properties of a select group of materials: semiconductors, metals, organics and oxides. Our research activities involve the synthesis, study or use of thin films, which are the fundamental building block of semiconductors and other electronic devices. Additionally, several research groups specialize in 2D materials that are just one atomic or molecular layer thick, and possess expertise in the electronic and physical properties of surfaces.

Research Groups

  • Jerry Floro Research Group

    Jerry Floro Research Group

    Our research group synthesizes new materials using additive manufacturing, rapid solidification, solid-state phase transformations and thin film growth. We investigate how processing affects microstructure, in relation to properties such as magnetism, thermal transport and thermoelectricity.

    Faculty Profile

  • Jon Ihlefeld Research Group

    Jon Ihlefeld Research Group

    Our research primarily focuses on oxides prepared by a wide range of methods. We use linkages between process, structure and properties to enable materials integration resulting in novel electronic, thermal or optical functionality and devices.

    Ihlefeld Research Group | Tour the Lab | Faculty Profile

  • Kyusang Lee Research Group

    Kyusang Lee Research Group

    Our research group focuses on the use of organic and inorganic materials in optoelectronic devices, with a particular emphasis on applications for solar energy conversion and imaging. 

    Lee Research Group |  Faculty Profile

  • Stephen McDonnell Research Group

    Stephen McDonnell Research Group

    Our research group grows 2D layered semiconductors with tunable properties to enhance electronic, photovoltaic and photocatalytic activity, and studies how these novel materials interface with insulators and metals.

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  • Joe Poon Research Group

    Joe Poon Research Group

    Our research group focuses on experimental and computational study of thermoelectric properties of semiconductors and semimetals; synthesis of thin films and computational study of ferrimagnetic and antiferromagnetic heterostructures; and high-entropy alloys.

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  • Petra Reinke Research Group

    Petra Reinke Research Group

    Our research incorporates quantitative methods for image and spectroscopic data acquisition and interpretation to develop mechanistic understanding of surface processes. We combine precise deposition methods with in-situ analysis to unlock geometric, bonding, and electronic structure of 2D materials.

    Reinke Research Group | Tour the Lab | Faculty Profile

  • Nikhil Shukla Research Group

    Nikhil Shukla Research Group

    Our reserach group focuses on emerging devices and circuits as well as developing new approaches for energy efficient computing and storage.

    Shukla Research Group | Faculty Profile 

  • Mona Zebarjadi Research Group

    Mona Zebarjadi Research Group

    Our research group designs materials with altered thermal and elecrical properties. We also design new hybrid energy conversion devices for thermal management and solid-state energy conversion technologies.

    Zebarjadi Research Group | Tour the Lab | Faculty Profile