Advanced Materials and Devices
Theory Group
Our group works on cutting edge problems in the broad areas of condensed matter and materials physics.
Computational methods based on atomistic and finite element methods are used and developed to investigate properties of novel materials and devices. We are also engaged with analytical theories for modeling novel quantum processes.
Our focus is on emerging problems in transport, light-matter phenomena, and energy applications.
Congratulations to our Thi Xuan Diem Dang on her graduation with a PhD in Applied Physics!
Diem is our most recent graduate from our group. We are very proud of her and wish her all the best!
Our Postdoc, Dr. Dai-Nam Le, is featured in the Scientist magazine, an online platform for research news. In the interview, he discusses some of the work on quantum physics he did in our group and his future plans!
Congrats on his recognition!
New Book Published:
Contemporary Quantum Mechanics in Practice: Problems and Solutions,
L. M. Woods and P. Rodriguez Lopez (2024, Cambridge University Press)
Paper in Nano Lett. (2026)
A magnetic fluid based approach is proposed for quantum trapping and a path for resolving the Drude-plasma problem in Casimir phenomena.
Paper in Phys. Rev. Lett. (2026)
Here we make the unique proposal that fluctuation-induced interactions driven by acoustic phonons are possible and that they can compete with traditional electromagnetic interactions.
Paper in Quantum (2026)
Nanoscaled quantum friction in the stick-slip regime is investigated at the quantum and classical levels. Landau-Zenner tunneling is identified as an important process reducing the quantum friction force compared to
Paper in Nano Lett. (2026)
In this collaborative paper we provide an alternative magnetic Casimir-effect pathway to reversibly tune quantum electromagnetic forces at the nanoscale for the assembly and enhancement of colloidal stability.
Review Paper in Front. of Physics (2025)
In this review, recent progress on thermodynamics and phononic metamaterials is presented.
https://journal.hep.com.cn/fop/EN/10.15302/frontphys.2025.065500
Paper in Extreme Mechanics Letters (2026)
Using first principles simulations, the phonon dynamics of Silicon under various types of strain is studied showing large modulations of the thermal conductivity.
Paper in Phys. Rev. Materials (2026)
This collaborative research demonstrates quantum trapping in magnetic fluids due to Casimir interactions: unique role of transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes
Paper in Phys. Rev. B (2026)
Drift currents in graphenes are shown to modify optical response properties and their Casimir interactions. Our Lifshitz-like theory is important for fluctuation-induced interactions in nonequilibrium systems under steady state conditions.
https://doi.org/10.1103/84n7-1r3b