Current Research in Dr. Quarles' lab at TCU
AMO Physics (atomic-molecular-optical physics) especially inelastic electron-atom collisions such as bremsstrahlung, x-ray production, and inner-shell ionization;
Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) applied to the characterization of materials such as polymers, polymer composites, metal particles, and polymer-carbon black composites.
Want to learn more? Look at our latest results on
To the student . . .
There are some very interesting research problems, and some very useful and important skills to be learned in AMO physics and PAS research. Some of the problems my students and I are working on have very practical applications in industry. Some of the problems are more esoteric (or fundamental), of interest mainly to my students, to me and to the international community of x-ray and atomic collision specialists. In either case, mastering the skills involved in this research may help you get a better job when you graduate.
If you work with me, you will need to master a variety of computer languages and systems, get involved with some computer interfacing, do some computer modeling, learn data acquisition and analysis techniques. You will have to become an expert in the use of a small accelerator or in the techniques of positron annihilation spectroscopy. You will get experience with high vacuum systems, with x-ray and particle detectors, with energy dispersive x-ray and gamma ray spectroscopy, with the design of experiments using modular electronics systems such as NIM and CAMAC, and perhaps with the techniques of time-coincidence experiments.
You will work with x-rays, gamma rays, radioactive sources and high voltage. But you will learn how to work safely with radiation and high voltage so that you can concentrate on the important thing . . . the physics!
CAQ
Last modified 07/07/07
Maintained by C. A. QuarlesGraphics design and animation by John Quarles