Hands-on Research

Research in the Department of Physics focuses on condensed matter physics, including surface, materials and polymer physics as well as nanoscience and technology.

Research laboratories in the department include those for:

  • electron tunneling spectroscopy
  • scanning probe microscopy (SPM)
  • nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
  • infrared spectroscopy
  • ultra-high vacuum (UHV) techniques
  • Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
  • X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Computational research is done on multiprocessor workstations and linux clusters

Several faculty members have clusters of computer workstations to perform computational research. This includes

  • Equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of complex fluids including polymers
  • Atomic scale and coarse-grained modeling
  • Nanotechnology
  • Phase transitions and critical phenomena in polymers
  • Frictional drag in coupled electronic bilayers
  • Transport in mesoscopic and nanoscopic systems

Real-world Experience

Gain practical professional experience through UA's optional cooperative education program. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school while earning a competitive salary. 

Akron Physics Club

Club programs deal with current issues in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Cosmology, Biology, and a host of other topics.