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)
Review Paper in Frontiers of Physics
Check out this extensive review on recent progress in thermodynamics and thermal metamaterials learn about the design principles for the coming era of intelligent thermal matter
https://journal.hep.com.cn/fop/EN/10.15302/frontphys.2025.065500
Paper in Phys. Rev. B
Twisted h-BN bilayers are studied computationally to establish correlations between stacking patterns and electronic structure signatures.
Paper in RSC Appl. Interfaces
In this collaborative paper, the interface magnetism in V-doped MoS2/graphene heteostructures is investigated computationally and experimentally. The emphasis is on defect engineering and its role for enhancement of 2D ferromagnetism.
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. Optical Materials
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)
A new type of surface phonon polaritons with mixed transverse-longitudinal polarization can strongly affect light-matter interactions in piezoelectrics, as shown in our recent paper.
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.