Explore my research in photonic structures and condensed matter physics.

Mid-Infrared Light Sources

Mid-infrared light sources are easy to find. Any object at room temperature glows mainly in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, (2-25 microns in wavelength). However, light is emitted from these objects at all wavelengths. In some cases, it is more useful to have a source of mid-infrared light that emits at a single wavelength. Even better is if that single wavelength can be selected by turning a knob. Michelson Interferometers and Quantum Cascade Lasers are already capable of this, but the former is bulky and the latter is too expensive to be commonly used. My work focuses on creating a device that is both smaller and cheaper than the existing technology.

Any useful tunable thermal emitter must incorporate a material that changes the way it interacts with light. Graphene is a prime example of such a material. Graphene’s response to light can be changed simply by hooking up a few wires and turning on a voltage. Moreover, this change mainly occurs for light in the mid-infrared region.

Past Research

Bilayer Graphene and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Bilayer graphene is a material that is uniquely poised to bring about monumental changes in fundamental physics, applied physics, and technology. However, many of its properties that require greater understanding can only be measured with a scanning tunneling microscope. This microscope uses a metal tip to image individual atoms, but must get very close to do so. In the case of bilayer graphene, the proximity of the tip alters the properties of this material. In our first publication on this topic, we explore the nature of this invasive probe.