The Novel Materials Laboratory is designed for the crystal growth and characterization of novel materials for technologically significant applications. The emphasis is on an understanding of the structure-property relationships of new material systems in developing a comprehensive understanding of their physical properties. The effect of structural and chemical variations on the transport, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of materials is thus of paramount interest. The laboratory applies this understanding in developing new and novel materials towards significant advancements in energy-related technologies. Current materials physics research includes clathrates, nano-scale properties of materials, amorphous materials and composites for applications in thermoelectrics, photovoltaics and alternative fuel technologies. Close collaboration with industry, national laboratories and other universities is typical in this interdisciplinary research program that encompasses all aspects of physics, materials science and chemistry. Our research is funded by the Department of Energy - Basic Energy Sciences, Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, General Motors Corp., Office of Naval Research, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund. Students have received prestigious awards, including NRC, DAAD, University and Presidential Fellowships, and industrial internships. Students and postdocs from the Novel Materials Laboratory have accepted positions in industry, academia and national laboratories.


An interview with Dr. Nolas for WUSF's University Beat radio program may be heard by clicking here.