Advanced Materials and Devices
Theory Group
Our group works on cutting edge problems in the broad areas of condensed matter and materials physics.
Computational methods based on atomistic and finite element methods are used and developed to investigate properties of novel materials and devices. We are also engaged with analytical theories for modeling novel quantum processes.
Our focus is on emerging problems in transport, light-matter phenomena, and energy applications.
The Great American Teach-In at Webb Middle School in Fall 2024
Our Postdoc, Dr. Dai-Nam Le was invited to participate in this outreach event to promote Physics to middle school students in the Tampa Bay area. His visit was a great success. We are very proud of him!
New Book Published:
Contemporary Quantum Mechanics in Practice: Problems and Solutions,
L. M. Woods and P. Rodriguez Lopez (2024, Cambridge University Press)
Paper in Comp. Phys. Communications
A new cost-effective approach that relies on a Wannier function representation compatible with density function theory descriptions to compute van der Waals interactions
Paper in ACS Appl. Mat. & Interfaces
Using first principles simulations, here we explore how radiative heat transfer can be affected by employing 3D layered materials or their 2D counterparts.
Paper in Communications Materials (Nature)
In this theoretical paper, we show that new types surface phonon polaritons can lead significant effects in electromagnetic fluctuation forces between piezoelectric materials, especially between substrates with finite thickness.
Paper in ACS Appl Mat & Interfaces
This paper shows a unique perspective of static frictional properties: Machine Learning helps us understand static frictional properties in two-dimensional materials with data-driven statistical models.
Paper in Advanced Materials
A collaborative paper demonstrating that high entropy alloys can improve hydrogen catalytic reaction.
Paper in Advanced Photonics Research
Collaborative work showing upcoversion of infrared light by graphitic systems - results are supported by a theoretical model.
Paper in Materials Research Bulletin
Quaternary chalcogenides continue with their surprises. A new spinel CuInSnS4 can host different types of disorder, and their peculiar properties may be attractive to thermoelectrics and photovoltaics.
Paper in Physical Review Research
Check out our new coupled nonlinear dipole approach showing that optical nonlinearities can be quite important for the ubiquitous van der Waals interactions in materials!