Instrumentation
Kemper Hall is home to the lab classrooms for the physics, astronomy and materials science courses. Our facilities are some of the most advanced in the Midwest. Off campus, we have an astronomy observatory with professional-grade telescopes. Our state-of-the-art research equipment helps students gain solid, hands-on experience preparing for a career in the field.
Instrumentation
Research equipment available in the physics, astronomy and materials science department includes:
- FT-IR: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
- PLD: Pulsed Laser Deposition
- RAMAN Spectrometer
- RF Sputter Deposition
- FESEM: Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope
- SQUID: Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Magnetometer
- UV-Vis: Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopic Microscope
- XRD: X-ray diffraction
Download PAMS instrumentation flyer
Lab instrumentation may be available for on-site rental per hour when it is not being used by faculty or students.
Other instruments are available through close association between science departments within the College of Natural and Applied Science.
Special opportunities for research
The Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) in cooperation with the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) offers research opportunities for students interested in Engineering Physics. Our students can often find part-time employment within the department or at CASE.
JVIC is the home for high-tech research. The focus at JVIC is environmentally friendly projects with an applied research emphasis on biomaterials, nanotechnology, carbon-based electronics, biomedical instrument development and energy. Physics students can gain cutting-edge research experience through internships with JVIC affiliates.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of special opportunities for research. Students have gone around the country to tour federal research and development centers, particle accelerators and national space observatories. Those interested can apply for a paid NASA research internship.
Careers
Some of our graduates go directly into full-time research following graduation. They may help produce products related to computers, defense, the medical industry and more. Others pursue an advanced degree, and some alumni go on to teach physics.