In teaching, I emphasize the close relations between experiment, theory, and applications of physics. I stress in my classroom, that many technological developments are based on fundamental concepts and principles in physics. I introduce new physical concepts by explaining several of their applications or by using classroom demonstrations and audio-visual equipment. Moreover, I aim to combine lecturing with project-oriented learning and hands-on experimentation.
Research Description
The research of my group focuses on the development and characterization of new luminescent materials which are of interest for applications in solid-state lasers, optical amplifiers, light emitting diodes, and phosphors. The advancement of luminescent materials requires a detailed understanding of their properties so that material preparation can be optimized and creative solutions to current limitations can be found. State-of-the-art laser facilities are being employed by us to perform comprehensive optical characterization and device testing of new materials. Material synthesis is being carried out at Hampton University and in cooperative research programs with universities and industry
At present, we are interested in the optical properties of rare earth doped bulk and nano-crystalline materials for photonic applications. For example, a current focus of my research group is the infrared optical properties of rare earth doped low-phonon energy halide crystals for applications as mid-infrared gain media. The non-radiative decay rates of rare earth ions are greatly reduced in low-phonon host materials, which can result in efficient infrared emission at room-temperature. Jointly with our collaborators, we demonstrated efficient mid-infrared emission in the technologically important 3-5 mm region from several rare earth doped potassium lead halide crystals.
More recently, we started a project on infrared laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (IR-LIBS) for applications in biological and chemical sensing. Jointly with researchers at Brimrose Corporation of America and Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, we demonstarted the first observation of IR LIBS emission signatures in the 3-5 mm region from carbon containing materials, alkali halides, and ammonium compounds. Detailed studies of IR LIBS for applications in environmental monitoring, geological sciences, pharmaceutical industry, monitoring of industrial processes, and homeland security are still in progress.