Materials Sciences Division Programs

Scientific issues studied at MSD range from the understanding of atomic level defects that arise in materials processing, to the fatigue and fracture of ceramics and metals, to the development of functional materials for sensors, fuel cells, magnets and batteries, and to the development of theories and computer models to predict the behavior of as yet-undiscovered materials. Developments in techniques include improved scanning probe microscopies, laser spectroscopies, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Applications of MSD’s discoveries have included infrared detectors for satellites, ultrasensitive magnetic detectors for medicine and for oil exploration, improved materials for artificial heart valves, and advanced catalysts.

Please use the links at the left to explore the programs, projects, investigators, highlights and publications in the Materials Sciences Division.

Photoluminescent setup to measure the optical and photovoltaic effects of novel solar cell materials (Kin Man Yu and Wladek Walukiewicz).