Our searches for particles Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) are particularly focused on new long-lived particles, dark sectors, supersymmetric signatures, and unexpected couplings of the Higgs boson.

The group is actively involved in the operation of the CMS detector and is one of the primary groups responsible for the Pixel Luminosity Telescope system of CMS. In preparation for the High-Luminosity LHC, we are helping to build a new silicon tracking system for CMS, with UTK involvement in the sensor studies, as well as the electronics for the readout, control, and triggering systems. In addition to activities at the LHC, our group is involved in studies for future generations of particle colliders.

Our group has a strong presence at CERN, Fermilab, and at the UTK campus with members frequently traveling and/or based around the world.

Prof. Stefan Spanier

Prof. Tova Holmes

Prof. Lawrence Lee

The SNS is the most powerful pulsed neutron source in the world, and is driven by the only superconducting proton linac in existence. The combination of new technology and record-breaking beam intensity make the SNS an exciting place to conduct research for students at all levels.

Contact Sarah Cousineau

Contact Dr. Mike Guidry

Due to this enhancement 1 MW target can shine like 10 MW target. Than can be used e.g. in the design of the neutron spallation source for the “Project-X” accelerator at Fermilab. This research project will be focused on computational Monte-Carlo simulations of the diamond nanoparticle reflectors. To be learned: basics of neutron scattering, computational Monte-Carlo methods, FORTRAN programming, statistics, data analysis and presentations of the results. Students interested in physics and computational methods are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov. Immediate involvement in the project is possible for 1,2, or 3 research class credits.

Contact Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov

To be learned: physics of atomic collisions, computational Monte-Carlo methods, FORTRAN programming, statistics, data analysis and presentations of the results. Students interested in physics and computational methods are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov.

Contact Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov

In this project, large scale ab initio quantum Monte Carlo simulations will be employed to study the effects of corrugation in the graphene potential on the realization and stabilization of this new state of matter.

Professor Adrian Del Maestro

At present, the data analysis is based on a collection of macros running under IGOR software, one of the most common data analysis software. All these macros have been independently developed by the various group that manage the the end stations at synchrotron facilities such as the ALS (Berkeley, CA), APS (Argonne, IL) and Elettra (Trieste, Italy). It is desirable to compile a user-friendly software that could handle the analysis of the data collected in different experiments in only one workbench. Available is a position for a motivated undergraduate student who will be responsible for the design and testing of such as a user-friendly interface, and for writing a new collection of macros based on the existing ones. The project constitutes an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn how different soft x-ray spectroscopic experiments are used to unveil different properties of solids. This experience would also constitute an opportunity for students to acquire a sound knowledge of the basis of data treatment, possibly turning in the near future in an RA position for a Ph.D. degree at UT to study complex electron systems with x-ray based spectroscopies.

See Dr. Mannella’s profile for more information.

We are currently developing a scintillator array for detecting gamma rays called HAGRiD, based on new generation scintillator material LaBr₃(Ce). A particular strength of the group is the tradition of use of digital data acquisition techniques. Students entering the group will be involved in both hardware development and cutting-edge nuclear physics experiments.

Our experiments are run at national user facilities such as the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University, with new experimental programs starting at TRIUMF in Canada, and Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.

Decay of the most exotic nuclei

One main focus of our group is exploratory research on the most exotic nuclei that can be synthesized. We develop ultra-sensitive detection techniques, and then employ them in discovery experiments at very low production rates. We investigate phenomena that occur only in very unstable isotopes, for example, beta-delayed neutron emission using the VANDLE detector. Our expertise in digital electronics has allowed us to engage recently in the super-heavy element research program, a newly re-open nuclear physics frontier.

Direct reactions

Direct reaction techniques include transferring a single nucleon or multiple nucleons, knocking out a nucleon, or simply scattering a nucleus on a target, and are very sensitive to the structure of the nucleus. Recent developments have allowed these techniques to be used with beams of exotic nuclei, some of which are important to understand reactions in stars or in explosive scenarios, such as novae or supernovae.

Prof. Robert Grzywacz
Prof. Kate Jones
Assistant Prof. Miguel Madurga

They also provide the basis for a variety of practical applications such as demonstration for non-specialist audiences of how drugs work in the body, the principles of DNA fingerprinting, science issues in bioterrorism, or how various high-tech medical devices function. Students will participate in the development of those interactive projects and gain extensive practical scientific and programming experience in the process. These projects can have strong overlap with areas 2, 3, and 4 listed under Topics in Computational Science, and the scientific problem depends partially on the interests of the student. Involves programming in some combination of Java, Flash Actionscript, JavaScript, XML technologies such as XML, SVG, or MathML, and database technologies such as PostGresSQL.

Professor Mike Guidry

Professor Mike Guidry

Students interested in physics, mathematics, and FORTRAN computations are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov at kamyshkov@utk.edu.

Research project will include measurements of NOνA scintillator with the Compton gamma spectrometer at UT lab and the data analysis. To be learned: Compton effect, liquid scintillator detectors, WLS fibers, radioactive gamma source, germanium detector, electronics, trigger, computer data acquisition, LabVIEW, programming, data analysis and presentations of the results.

Students interested in physics (not necessarily only physics majors) are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov at kamyshkov@utk.edu.

This research project will be focused on development of FORTRAN software for neutron transport and sensitivity optimization. To be learned: neutron physics, computational Monte-Carlo methods, FORTRAN programming, statistics, planning of big experiments, data analysis and presentations of the results.

Students interested in physics and computational methods are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov at kamyshkov@utk.edu.

Quantum computers have started to solve real-world problems., and our group performed the first computation of an atomic nucleus on quantum chips. Undergraduate students who want to participate in these projects should have an interest in theory, a basic understanding of quantum mechanics, and some numerical skills (e.g. python, matlab).

Dr. Thomas Papenbrock

Dr. Yuri Efremenko

When it happens, the electro-magnetic shock wave arises, called Cherenkov radiation, mostly with a spectrum in ultraviolet (UV). Research project will include measurements of re-emission of UV radiation which makes it detectable in the visible spectrum of light. UV vacuum monochromator will be used to simulate the Cherenkov radiation. To be learned: optical properties of the materials, liquid scintillator detectors, WLS fibers, vacuum, electrical measurements, amplifiers, LabVIEW, programming, data analysis and presentations of the results. Students interested in physics and particularly in optics and particle detectors (not necessarily only physics majors) are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov at kamyshkov@utk.edu.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity in High Energy Particle Physics

The high energy particle physics group of Dr. Spanier is searching for rare decays of the Higgs boson, which if found not to be rare are a sign of physics beyond the Standard Model. These searches require very high beam intensities to collide protons at very high frequencies and creating many particles at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). For this the LHC will be upgraded to the so-called High-Luminosity LHC. The central device for imaging such events in the CMS detector is the silicon pixel detector that is under development. It is a combination of pure silicon material that is bump-bonded to a fast custom readout chip. Charged particles create charge signals in the silicon that are registered in many individual channels of the chip. You can be involved in measurements with particles from radioactive sources and accelerator particle beams (at Fermilab, Chicago) to define the new device. First design options exist and we set up a data acquisition test stand in the SERF building. It has the flexibility to analyze different prototypes. It uses FPGA (free programmable gate array) boards which give you the opportunity to get in touch with this technology. Interested in novel detector readout for the LHC, make it work, and take measurements?

Professor Stefan Spanier

The building block of the materials-based phenomena that we study is electron spin (instead of the commonly employed charge), which could demonstrate novel collective behaviors when many of them interact. Examples of topics we are interested in include (1) spin fluctuations across electronic phase transitions, such as superconductivity and metal-to-insulator transitions; (2) emergent/fractional quasiparticles in frustrated magnets and strongly correlated metals; (3) quantum-magnets-based spintronics devices. We command and develop a broad array of experimental techniques, such as neutron scattering with time-, momentum- and energy-resolutions, x-ray magnetic diffraction and optical Raman spectroscopy under high pressure, audio-frequency electrical and magnetic transport down to millikelvin(mK)-range, and spintronic devices tailored for one-dimensional spin-chain systems. We perform experiments both in our own lab and on large-scale facilities in national labs such as Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Argonne National Lab (ANL).

As a new research group that seeks to establish a diverse and creative working environment, we set no strict requirements for background training. Especially for undergraduate RAs, the projects and training we offer are highly flexible and well-tailored for students. For your information, skills and knowledge that are particularly helpful for research in our group include:

• Basic-level design of mechanical parts and electrical circuits;
• AC-frequency electronics;
• Micro- and nano-fabrication skills/interests;
• Scientific programming for large-scale data analysis.

If none of the above fits your background but you are interested in research of quantum materials and devices in general, please still do not hesitate to reach out. We welcome new ideas and design projects that serve common interests for the group and individual members. You are always encouraged to join our reading group and/or pick a small side project before making official commitment.

If you are interested in more information, please contact Assistant Professor Yishu Wang directly through emails to wangyishu@utk.edu. We look forward to talking to you.

We have a strong team (Haidong Zhou, Jian Liu, Joon Sue Lee, and Wonhee Ko) working on quantum materials synthesis including bulk single crystal growth, thin film growth, and heterostructure deposition, physical properties characterization, evidencing the quantum phenomena, and manipulation of the quantum behavior for potential applications. We welcome highly motivated students to contribute to our efforts and enjoy the scientific adventure with us.

Zhou’s research interests are to discovery new materials possessing abnormal physical properties, such as geometrically frustrated magnetism showing quantum spin behaviors, multiferroicity, orbital ordering, and metal-insulator transitions. The strategies are to grow bulk single crystals of them using various methods including floating zone technique in image furnace, flux method, and chemical vapor transport method, and thereafter study them by x-ray scattering, low temperature and high magnetic field measurements, and neutron scattering measurements.

Liu’s projects span various topics, such as topology-correlation interplay, quantum critical phenomena, quantum magnetism, metal-insulator transition, and unconventional superconductivity. The focus is to identify, design, and create toy-model materials where we can tailor the dimensionality and the symmetry operations to capture fundamental physics of model Hamiltonians, such as the Hubbard model and Heisenberg model. This goal is achieved by exploiting advanced bottom-up synthesis technique, novel elastic strain engineering, multi-modal synchrotron x-ray scattering, and ultralow temperature high magnetic field measurements. In many cases, the observed unusual quantum phenomena also afford unparalleled functionalities for potential applications. Liu’s work involves broad collaborations within the department both experimentally and theoretically. Multiple positions are currently available for students to join Liu’s research on emergent phenomenain quantum condensed matters, which include atomically engineered quantum heterostructures and quantum materials.

Lee employs molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize high-quality thin films and nanostructures of quantum materials, by precise control over layer-by-layer growth in ultrahigh vacuum environment. His research group develops low-dimensional semiconductor systems, such as 1D nanowires, 2D electron gases, and networks of quantum wires by selective area growth, as well as topological materials including topological insulators and semimetals. His research extends to studies on quantum devices based on the grown quantum materials for unveiling fundamental quantum phenomena and exploring future device applications.

Ko’s research focuses on nanoscale to atomic-scale characterization of the quantum materials using novel microscopy techniques.

We welcome highly motivated students to contribute to our efforts and enjoy the scientific adventure with us.

Haidong Zhou

Jian Liu

Joon Sue Lee

Wonhee Ko

The QGP, dubbed the Perfect Liquid, has the lowest viscosity to entropy density of any fluid ever measured. Our group works on both the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Students working with our group will primarily do data analysis using the C++-based program ROOT. While the details of the project may be adapted depending on the interests and skills of the student and the needs of the group, we envision students studying jet production either in data or simulations. A jet is the collimated spray of particles created when a high energy parton (quark or gluon) hadronizes, or breaks down into lower mass and energy particles. By reconstructing jets the energy of the parton can be partially or wholly reconstructed.

Dr. Christine Nattrass.

A small prototype of the shielding system was built at UT Physics lab to learn how different shielding methods and materials can be efficient for the magnetic field suppression. Research project will include measurements and analysis of residual magnetic field for different configurations of the shielding system with the purpose of finding the optimum shielding solution in the maximum volume. To be learned: measurement of weak magnetic fields, properties of ferromagnetics, hysteresis, demagnetization, programming, data analysis and presentation of the results.

Students interested in physics (not necessarily only physics majors) are welcome to contact for interview Prof. Yuri Kamyshkov at kamyshkov@utk.edu.

We use tools from statistical physics to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of spatially distributed populations, pattern morphogenesis on the surfaces of cells, the phase separation of nuclear material in a microbial cell, and many other biological processes. This work is necessarily collaborative, as the best theories are those that make contact with experiment. Our group interacts with, among others, the Mannik group at UTK, the Sweeney group at Yale, and the Tran group at Utrecht University.

We are also interested in fundamental questions in statistical mechanics, which are often addressed by appealing to simplified models and more experimentally accessible systems in condensed matter. For example, our group has started characterizing the motion of domain walls in ferroelectric materials, in collaboration with Petro Maksymovych at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These walls, in the presence of an applied electric field, move with a velocity that is influenced by both thermal fluctuations and disorder within the material. We aim to build a theory of this driven motion. We are also interested in pattern formation in strongly driven systems. Our recent work builds a field-theoretic approach to understanding a stripe formation in a driven, phase-separating lattice gas model, first developed by our collaborators.

Students can find a wide range of projects depending on their skills and interests. To get an idea of the scope of the work, it may be helpful to consult our publication list.

The best way to get to know us is to contact me at “mlavrent@utk.edu” if you are interested!

Dr. Mike Guidry