CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

NANOFIBERS
This research is focused on fabrication of metal-oxide and composite metal-oxide nanofibers using a simple and inexpensive electrospinning method. By varying chemical composition of the solutions for electrospinning we are able to create great variety of flexible nanofibers with diameters ranging from 500 nm down to 50 nm, and to tune their physical and chemical properties. Surface morphology of nanofibers is investigated using electron microscopes whereas structural changes are probed by X-ray diffraction system. Infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopies are used to probe the optical properties of the fibers whereas surface area determination we perform using a BET instrument.

STRONGLY CORRELATED ELECTRON SYSTEMS
In this project we use infrared and magneto-optical spectroscopy to probe electrodynamic response of charge carriers in materials with exotic properties. We are currently interested in iron-based superconductors and topological insulators. Experiments are performed at temperatures ranging from room temperature down to 5 Kelvin. For magneto-optical studies, performed in fields up to 18 Tesla, we use facilities at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida.