Spectroscopy and Imaging

Spectroscopy and imaging refer to powerful experimental methods that are used to characterize the structure and dynamics of materials.  They are key elements in many of the scientific discoveries today.  Quite often, results from spectroscopy and imaging provide the experimental proof for predictions by theory and computer simulations.  In other occasions, the experimental results inspire new theories and invite collaborations.  The applications are broad, covering condense matter physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, and biomedical science.  Because spectroscopy and imaging are sophisticated and the analyses are demanding, this type of characterization techniques provide excellent opportunities to train students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  The experiments are idea driven and some require access to state-of-the-art facilities (e.g., synchrotron and neutron sources) in the world.