Experimental Solid State Physics Group studies the surface of materials and thin films. Transition metals and semiconductors are the current research areas. The study of the structural properties of ion on copper surfaces are in progress. Semiconductor studies include the passivation of Gallium Arsenide surfaces. Theoretical Solid State Physics Group has research activities involving theoretical investigations of materials in terms of their structural, electronic structual and magnetic properties.
Interesting systems are transition metal compounds, surfaces and metal-semiconductor interfaces.
The major tools used in research are a varietyt of computational techniques that can solve many-electron systems efficiently using quantum mechanics. The goals are to explain material properties such as superconductivity, to understand the energetics of phase transformation, and to explore new materials with potential application. Arizona State University.