Faculty Research | Department of Physics

Material Research

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of III-V semiconductors is used to fabricate various photonic devices, digital integrated circuits, and optoelectronic integrated circuits. Research on the synthesis and characterization of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) and physical vapor deposited (PVD) silicon-based dielectric films is ongoing.

Terahertz Imaging and Spectrosocpy

Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy can be used to detect concealed weapons and explosives. Other areas of applications include the study of ultrafast carrier dynamics in nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, characterization of conformational changes in biomolecules, and detection of hazardous gases.

Professors John Federici, Robert Barat and Dale Gary are developing a synthetic aperture imaging method for stand-off detection of explosives using continuous wave THz sources and detectors.

Applied Laser Physics

With industry funding, research is being carried out at Rutgers on laser processing of materials with low thermal conductivity. The physics involves heat transport, laser properties and material properties. New instrumentation to resolve variations in temperature in time and space is being developed. This work is in collaboration with the Department of Ceramics Engineering in the Rutgers College of Engineering in New Brunswick.

Solar Physics

The Center for Solar -Terrestial Research operates two first-class observation facilities: Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Solar Radio Array in Owens Valley Radio Observatory, both in California. The research focuses on the development of state-of-the-art instruments for solar observations; study of solar magnetic fields and extended atmosphere; and study of solar activities and their terrestrial effects. Solar physics interacts closely with other research areas at NJIT. e.g., device physics, imaging processing and atmospheric chemistry.

Imaging Technology

A developing initiative builds upon NJIT's nationally recognized work in infrared imaging technology, applying it to the promising area of infrared solar physics. State-of-the-art infrared imaging devices are being developed and tested as part of an IR telescope system to be installed at a national observatory.

Surface Physics

Visiting scientist Professor Xia from Beijing University, China, works in the surface science laboratory at Rutgers- Newark.

This area focuses on research on laser-induced physical processes on surfaces. One area of current interest is laser stimulated desorption ad atoms on S.E. ion surface.

Biophysics

One area of great current interest involves the use of stable isotope tracers for medical diagnostics. Another is the development of microsensors to probe non-linear auditory response in mammals.

Discharge Physics

Research on glow discharges for plasma processing of semiconductors and other materials is being carried out under an NSF-sponsored program. Related studies on VUV light sources and unique laser pumping schemes are also underway.