Impurities and defects in condensed matter systems

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Impurities and defects in condensed matter systems are interesting and important. In addition to the fascinating fundamental physics phenomena associated with these centers, the behavior of only a minute amount of impurities/defects inside many such materials (especially semiconductors) determines their eventual usefulness in practical applications since they dramatically modify the optical and/or electrical properties of the host. One of my primary research activities is the elucidation of the local structure, diffusitivities, interactions, and reactions of isolated impurities in bulk and nano-scale semiconductors, insulators, and metals. Furthermore, some of these impurities, which I intentionally introduce into the materials, can be used as microscopic probes of the magnetism in the material where they reside. In fact, another of my research activities is the investigation of several types of interesting magnetic systems and the study of near surface structural phase transitions. Moreover, I also study the technological implications of defect-induced phenomena in correlated electronic systems such as colossal magnetoresistance materials and high temperature superconductors.