Department of Physics
 

Research Opportunities.

Research in the ISU Physics Department

Our department specializes in offering cutting-edge research experiences to our physics majors. We have a dynamic group of researchers exploring a wide variety of exciting phenomena from basic quantum physics to applied materials science to space and astrophysics. Peruse the links below to discover some of the amazing things our student researchers are doing.

Research Groups

Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
Intense Laser Physics Theory Unit
Research on the interaction of laser light with matter.
Profs. Grobe and Su ILP photo
Atomic Structure Computational research on exotic atoms and dielectronic recombination in hot plasmas. Prof. Karim atoms image
Mestable Helium Lab Experimental research in ionizing reactions of excited, long-lived helium atoms. Prof.Rutherford PEL photo

Program of Excellence in Nanoscience

Center for Research and Education on Nanostructures Computational and experimental research in materials science Prof. Ren CREN photo

Experimental Solid State Physics LabExperimental investigation of energy-related materials, including photovoltaics and thermoelectrics.

Dr. Marx

POE for Nanotechnology Education and Research

 
Space Physics
Center for Research and Instruction in Space Physics
Computational research in space physics and nonlinear dynamics.
Profs. Holland, Martin,
and Matsuoka
CRISP photo
Non-linear Dynamics and Chaos
Chaotic Circuits and Systems Experimental and Computational research in chaos in electronic circuits and other systems. Prof. Clark laser photo
Synchronization of Chaos Computational and Experimental research in phase synchronization of chaos Prof.Rosa chaos  image
Chaotic Waterwheel Experimental investigation of a simple, mechanical, chaotic system. Prof.Rutherford PEL photo
Other Research Areas
Statistical Mechanics Computational research on many body physics such as phase transitions in microclusters. Prof. Matsuoka MD image
Mathematical Physics Theoretical quantum field theory research and mathematical physics pedagogy. Prof.Hassani math image

Physics Education
Developing and disseminating new ways of teaching and learning physics.

Mr. Wenning PTE photo