Physics at the Interfaces between Continuum, Defect Structures, Defects,and Atoms People model the properties of materials with a variety of methods, each appropriate to a certain length scale.
Engineers use continuum mechanics and plasticity to describe the aluminum alloys in their airplanes.
Materials scientists study the evolution of the polycrystalline grains and particulates making up the aluminum as it is pounded and rolled into shape. Prof. Sethna is also speaking at a UIC International Workshop on Hysteresis and Materials on August 28, and will be visiting the UIC Physics Department on August 31. Both structural and spectroscopic information can be obtained from the electron tunneling between an atomically sharpened tip and the sample surface. The study of the superconductivity, both in the Meissner and in the mixed state, is one of the outstanding application of the Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy. We have used low temperature STM to study both low temperature and high temperature superconductors.