Physics
Selected papers:
- 10/26/11 Interaction of Phonons and Dirac Fermions on the Surface of Bi2Se3: A Strong Kohn Anamoly
- 04/15/10 Sustainably Charging Batteries Using Compost
Education:
M.A. Physics, Boston University, January 2012
B.S. Physics, Ithaca College, May 2009, Summa Cum Laude
Research Descriptions:
Laboratory for Surface Physics and Electron Spectroscopies
I work with Dr. Michael El-Batanouny on studying surface dynamics of strong 3D topological insulators via Helium Atom Scattering techniques. Our current work involves investigating phonon mode dispersions on the surface of the topological insulators Bismuth Selenide/Telluride and their subsequent renormalization via interaction with the Dirac Fermion Quasiparticles on the surface.
These 3D topological insulators, being distinct from nominal insulators like vacuum, have strong spin orbit coupling and time reversal invariance which gives rise to protected electronic states on the surface, despite the fact that their interior is still insulating. These surface states are extremely robust in the face of non-magnetic disorder and show promise for applications in the field of quantum computing or even in the realization of majorana fermions and other unique fundamental particles. Our work is helping to classify and understand the electron/phonon coupling in this exotic new state of matter.