Research
The Nuclear Physics Research Program
The active program of nuclear research conducted by Redlands' physics faculty and
students involves experimental work done in collaboration with various research laboratories
throughout the world. Current projects include elastic scattering experiments at
the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory at the University of California, Davis, and total reaction
cross-section measurements conducted at the Svedberg Cyclotron Laboratory, Uppsala
University in Sweden. The University of Redlands nuclear group is a world leader
in the measurement of total reaction cross-sections, and student participants often
become co-authors, along with the faculty, of the resulting published research papers.
The Laser Photonics Laboratory
Jointly operated by faculty from physics and chemistry, the Laser Photonics Laboratory
offers students the opportunity to work with faculty members to conduct state-of-the-art
research. Students participate in directed study and honors research projects on laser-based spectroscopy, holography, electro-optics, computer control of laser systems,
and experimental laser development.
Atom Trapping
Lasers and special magnetic fields are used to cool large numbers of
neutral atoms to within a fraction of a degree of absolute zero and
to confine them to a region of a few cubic centimeters. Students are
constructing such "atom traps" for use in high precision spectroscopic
and atomic collision experiments.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
The atomic scale investigation and manipulation of conducting surfaces.
This falls under the heading of surface science within
the broader field of condensed matter physics.
Planetary Science
Studying solid planetary surfaces such as Venus, Mars, and the moons of Jupiter.
Looking at volcanoes and other thermal processes on planets.
Stellar and extragalactic astronomy
Studying stellar surfaces and structure through the new field of optical
interferometry. In addition, investigating various aspects of
galaxy formation and interaction using optical and radio observatories.
Updated 10/4/01