Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

Professors R.B. Griffiths, R.F. Sekerka, R.H. Swendsen, and M. Widom

Condensed matter theory is an exciting, multi-faceted, technologically and economically important subject. Progress in the field proceeds at breakneck speed. New experimental discoveries, at Carnegie Mellon and elsewhere, demand theoretical modeling and interpretation. Computer simulation leads to novel types of "numerical experiments," that provide detailed information not available through conventional experiments and on models too complex to analyze formally. Beautiful mathematical and combinatorial problems tempt the researcher with the possibility of numerical or exact solutions to phenomena such as phase transitions, pattern formation, protein folding and more!

At Carnegie Mellon our activities cover a spectrum of topics, from the theory of quantum computation, through dynamics of crystal growth to the modeling of biological molecules. Within this diversity, our group shares special strength in thermal and statistical physics. Our techniques range from exact solution and rigorous proof, to numerical solution of partial differential equations and Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics computer simulation. The faculty of this group enjoy international prominence and funding from DARPA, NASA and NSF.

Capabilities for computer simulation are strong in-house and are further enhanced by the presence of the Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center. Shared interests with other departments, such as mathematics, computer science and materials science, further enrich the research environment. We also maintain close contacts, such as shared seminar series, with the excellent condensed matter physics group at the University of Pittsburgh.

Recent Ph.D.s and Post-Graduation Positions

Hwee Kuan Lee (2001) "Monte Carlo Simulations of Liquid-Liquid Phase Transitions and Quasicrystals" (Advisor: Swendsen); PostDoc, Univ. of Georgia

Shubho Banerjee (2000) "Study of Morphological and Thermodynamic Properties of Dipolar Fluids", (Advisor: Widom); Post Doc, University of Maryland

Shing-Te Li (1999) "The Transition Matrix Monte Carlo Method", (Advisor: Swendsen)

Jose Americo de Miranda Neto (1998) "Weakly Nonlinear Analysis of the Saffman-Taylor Problem"; (Advisor: Widom); Professor at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) - Brazil

Bayard Johnson (1996) "Numerical Simulations of Crystal Growth"; (Advisor: Sekerka); Research Staff, Bechtel Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, PA

Pierre Delaly (1995) "Phase Diagrams of Systems Exhibiting Modulated Structures"; (Advisor: Griffiths); Financial, Switzerland

Shun-Lien Wang (1995) "Computation of Dendritic Growth at Large Supercoolings by Using the Phase Field Model"; (Advisor: Sekerka); Application Engines, Nassda Corp., CA

Xianjun James Kong (1994) "Computer Simulation of Water Solvent Effects on Interactions Between Molecules"; (Advisor: Swendsen); Postdoctoral Fellow, Scripps Inst. CA

Haiyun Zhang (1994) "Ferrofluids in Various Forms"; (Advisor: Widom); Financial

Partha Debroy (1993) "Weakly Nonlinear Stability Analysis of Three Dimensional Shapes"; (Advisor: Sekerka); Faculty, Polytechnic University of Brooklyn, NY

Weixiong Li (1991) "Statistical Mechanics of Random Tiling Quasicrystals"; (Advisor: Widom); First National Bank of Chicago

Kevin E. Bassler (1990) "Ground States of Non-Convex One-Dimensional Systems with Competing Interactions"; (Advisor: Griffiths); Postdoctoral researcher, Louisiana State University

Dong-Ping Deng (1990) "Transfer Matrix Method Studies of Quasiperiodic Structures"; (Advisor: Widom); Research Staff, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Jeffrey M. Rickman (1989) "Some Effects of Strain on Diffusion in Crystalline Solids"; (Advisor: Sekerka); Faculty, Lehigh U