The plasmonic properties of noble metal nanoparticles have potential uses in a wide variety of technologies based on their optical response.Â’  Recent collaborative efforts of the NU-MRSEC demonstrate that correlated localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements can be used to obtain the optical response and detailed structural information for a single nanoparticle.Â’  By carefully incorporating the HRTEM structural details into finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) electrodynamics calculations,

Made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Office of Workforce Competitiveness (OWC) the goal is to provide Connecticut's teachers with cutting edge imaging tools for their classrooms. A table top scanning electron microscope (mini-SEM) with elemental analysis capabilities was purchased. Typical SEMs are large and require extensive training and maintenance. Initially teachers at high schools and Connecticut's Community Technical Colleges (CTCs) are targeted for professional development and implementation.

Understanding the locations of atoms as they are deposited on a surface is critical for growing interfaces of electronicÂ’  device quality. One unique tool that is key to this endeavor, is the high-resolution, low-temperature ultrahigh vacuum scanning probe microscope for simultaneous operation in noncontact atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy mode at 4 K available at CRISP (Yale). Download High resolution non-contact AFM Highlight

In an ordinary insulator, such as diamond, the occupied electronic states are separated from unoccupied states by a large energy “gap”. The gap prevents current flow when an electric field is applied. Recent research has uncovered a new class of insulators, called topological insulators, in which electrons can bypass the energy gap by moving in surface states. The energy vs. momentum dispersion of these unusual surface states are Dirac-like. They exhibit unusual topological properties which may be important for quantum computing.

Graphene is comprised of a single layer of C atoms in a hexagonal lattice array.  The electronic state of graphene is of great interest because the electron energy increases linearly with momentum, just like for photons and neutrinos.  This is called a massless, Dirac dispersion.  The nature of the electronic state at zero energy (the “Dirac point”) in a strong magnetic field H is currently the subject of theoretical debate.

The “life” in organisms is due to the specific molecular interactions of proteins, called molecular recognition, that leads to a self-assembly and a large diversity of functions in biology; Emulating biology, in Molecular Biomimetics, GEMSEC is developing novel protocols towards materials and systems based on proteins, engineered in our labs;

A rainbow of activities.. All to enhance students’, teachers’ and public’s recognition & appreciation.. of the state-of-the-art Science and Technology at the materials/bio interface; .. for Students to seek career in Science and Engineering .. for Teachers for better tools for Teaching

Research funded in part by the MIT MRSEC has led to a discovery of one-way photonic behavior. A team made up of MIT physicists Zheng Wang, research scientist in MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics; recent MIT PhD recipient Yidong Chong; Professor John Joannopoulos; and Professor Marin Soljacic have developed and experimentally tested photonic crystals that restrict light to travel