Research

Astrophysics
The field of astrophysics is broadly focused on the evolution and structure of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe.  Observational, computational, and theoretical astrophysics employ a wide-variety of physics topics, such as atomic, nuclear, high-energy, and gravitation, as well as lend new insight to these fields.  Areas of specialty at Denison include work on active galactic nuclei, the stellar lifecycle, galaxy clusters, and observational techniques.
Astrophysics faculty:  Dr. Steven Doty; Dr. Daniel Homan; Dr. Ryan Johnson.

Atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) Physics
Atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) physics research seeks to understand the structure of and interactions between atoms, molecules, and light.  The implication of this work is both a better understanding of these elemental building blocks, as well as a range of applications in physics, engineering, and beyond.  At Denison, active areas of research include negative ion spectroscopy, atomic collisions, atomic structure, laser cooling and trapping, quantum optics, and quantum information.
AMO faculty:  Dr. Daniel Gibson; Dr. Steven Olmschenk; Dr. Wesley Walter.

Biophysics
The burgeoning field of biophysics endeavors to derive and understand complex biological systems from the principles of physics, and is by definition highly interdisciplinary work with applications in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.  Efforts may consist of computational modeling based on strict physical constraints, applying novel observational techniques to new systems, and quantitative analysis of biological processes.  Particular topics of study at Denison include biocomplexity, motor proteins, and the physics of cellular functions.
Biophysics faculty:  Dr. Riina Tehver.

Condensed Matter Physics
Condensed matter physics encompasses the properties of solids, crystals, semiconductors, polymers, superconductors, superfluids, and other novel materials.  Research in condensed matter has far-reaching impact on the fabrication and utilization of tailored structures and materials.  Areas of specialization at Denison include conductive polymers and soliton formation.
Condensed matter faculty:  Dr. Kimberly Coplin.