Dielectric spectroscopy is used to measure the electrical properties and to relate them to molcular dynamics. These measurements range over a frequency span of eleven orders of magnitude. A precision capacitance bridge allows for displacement measurement to the sub angstrom range, and is used in the thermal expansion measurements. Heat capacity and phase transitions are determined using a differential scanning calorimeter. An optical system is used in conjunction with a the dielectric spectrometer to correlate the optical properties with the electrical properties.
Recent projects span a variety of materials and properties.
The thermal expansion of the two isotopes of lithium have been measured and related to the mass dependence of the anharmonicity of the lattice vibrations. To get a better understanding of shape memory alloys, ultrasonic and electrical conductivity measurements have been carried out as a function of temperature and pressure. The dielectric properties of many exotic liquid crystal polymers and polymer dispersed liquid crystals have been measured in order to understand their molecular dynamics and optical transmission properties. These materials have potential use in flat panel displays and in windows as sun-roofs for automobiles.