Research

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Last Updated: Aug 11, 2025, 03:03 PM

Experimental Physics Research Labs

  • Magnetic Properties Laboratory

    Naushad Ali

    The lab includes a SQUID magnetometer, high-temperature ovens, a diamond cutting saw, assorted other magnetometers and a variable temperature electrical resistance measurement setup.

  • Quantum Optics / Quantum Materials Laboratory

    Bumsu Lee

    Emerging low-dimensional materials such as 2D van der Waals crystals, topological insulators, nanowires and quantum dots have been attracting significant attention in aspect of photonic, optoelectronic and magnetic applications because of their enhanced features and new functionalities. These functional properties offer unique platforms when they are coupled to photonic and plasmonic structures, enabling advanced applications such as photon sources, photodetectors, modulators, sensors and energy conversion devices. In our lab, we are pursuing a better understanding of fundamental physics of these new materials in order to overcome existing disadvantages and limitations, and developing novel and innovative photonics, opto-electronics, spintronics, and quantum information applications.

  • The Novel Materials and Heterostructures Laboratory

    Dipanjan Mazumdar

    Our research is in the area of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, on novel electronic and magnetic materials to explore and exploit the subtle interplay between spin, charge and lattice degrees of freedom. Advances in experimental and theoretical techniques allow us to grow and investigate physical properties of materials with unprecedented detail and accuracy. This has significantly enhanced the problem-solving ability of the scientific community. In our lab we pay attention to every aspect of material physics research, namely growth, physical property investigation, theory, and device applications. The overarching goal is to discover novel materials and heterostructures and realize their application potential.

  • Carbon Nanomaterials Laboratory

    Saikat Talapatra

    Our research is primarily related to Condensed Matter and Materials Physics. We employ various state of the art techniques for synthesis, characterization and modification of a variety of nanostructures which includes carbon nanotubes, graphene etc. At present our research focus is geared towards developing these materials for a variety of applications. Some of the applications that we are currently developing using these nanaoscale materials are broadly related to the energy storage, energy conversion, clean environmental technology and nano-electronic devices.

Theoretical Research

Quantum Computation and Quantum Error Correction, Quantum Computing Group at Southern Illinois University, Qunet Quantum Computing Group, Mark Byrd

Quantum Computing Lab, Sangchul Oh

Computational Materials Physics, Thushari Jayasekera

Research Support

Electronics Shop

The Physics Department Electronics Shop serves departmental administrative, instruction and research needs.  It is staffed by a full time Computer / Electronics Specialist. The shop is open for all physics students, faculty, and staff for use during normal business hours.

Contact Information:

Bob Baer
 418 Neckers
618-453-2729
rbaer@siu.edu

The shop’s functions are: 

  • Troubleshoot, design, and maintain departmental electronics and computers and assist researchers as needed.
  • Maintains a stock of electronics components, batteries, spare computer parts, cables, wire, etc.
  • Maintain electronic testing equipment for standard electronics as well as test software and hardware test systems for computers.
  • Maintain Sherline 5400 CNC milling machine system.
  • Monitoring, maintenance, and backups of departmental servers. 
  • Monitor / implement departmental anti-virus program and firewalls.
  • Serve as a recycling / surplus collection point for departmental electronics and computers.
  • Technical liaison to College of Science, Information Technology, and AIS support services.
  • Act as a distribution point for campus and departmental site licensed software such as:
    • Autodesk products
    • Adobe
    • Lab View
    • Linux Distributions
    • Maple
    • Mathematica
    • Microsoft software products and updates
    • Origin

Additional Services/Projects:

Teaching Demonstrations. 

For a partial listing of available demonstrations, films, and other teaching resources, (intradepartmental use only). 

See Physics Department Intradepartmental site for mor information on computational / technical, and instructional resources. 

Some electronics shop projects

Office of Sponsored Projects Administration

Office of Sponsored Projects Administration, part of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, oversees grant and contract activities, ensuring compliance with federal, state and university regulations while managing proposals and awards on behalf of faculty.