Capability Summary
Condensed matter physics, which describes the physical properties of solids and liquids, is the underpinning of nearly every phenomenon in the natural world and a fundamental requirement for breakthrough advancement in materials. ORNL’s materials scientists are globally recognized experts in condensed matter physics.
A deep understanding of condensed matter physics is the foundation upon which nearly all the materials research at ORNL is built. The physicists at ORNL use theory, computing and first-principles approaches to identify promising new materials, explain the behavior of existing materials and illuminate experimental results from other researchers across the lab.
Much of the program is focused on materials critical to energy such as quartz, silicon, and copper, which play key roles in sensors, computing, and energy transmission, respectively. Physicists spend time trying to improve existing materials applications and explore revolutionary breakthroughs such as quantum effects and superconductivity. ORNL’s high-performance computing resources have grown into a critical support for the condensed matter physics program, allowing researchers to perform much of their work quickly in silicon.
Equipment & Facilities
High performance computational resources via the ORNL CADES program
Contact
Dr. David S. Parker is a distinguished staff scientist and group leader for Materials Theory at ORNL, specializing in energy-related materials sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Southern California in 2006 and completed postdoctoral work at the Naval Research Laboratory. Recognized for his contributions, he leads approximately $6 million in DOE-sponsored research within the Critical Materials Innovation Hub. Dr. Parker employs first principles methods to tackle challenges in permanent magnet development and other critical materials. For more information on collaborations, contact him at [email protected].