Astrophysics, Relativity and Cosmology (ARC)

The ARC group studies extreme astrophysical phenomena such as black holes, the big bang, and neutron stars, and uses them to further our understanding of fundamental physics. The incredible conditions that occur in these astrophysical environments far exceed those attainable in any Earthbound laboratory. Our research involves many branches of physics, including general relativity, particle physics, fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics.
Current research in the ARC group focuses on two areas: gravitational wave astronomy and neutron star interiors. Other areas of study include determining the size and shape of the universe, investigating quantum effects in strong gravitational fields, and energy extraction from rotating black holes.
Neutron stars are excellent laboratories for studying matter in extreme environments - a teaspoon of neutron star material has a mass of several hundred million tons. The ARC group studies the role of magnetic fields, superfluidity and crustal rigidity in neutron stars, and how these factors may be related to star quakes and spin glitches.
Gravitational wave astronomy is an exciting new area of research that is poised to open a new window on the Universe. The ARC group is investigating how the space-based LISA gravitational wave detector and the ground based LIGO detectors can be used to study violent astrophysical events such as the collision of two black holes.
For further information see:
http://www.physics.montana.edu/research/arc.htm

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Artist's concept of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission

Crab Nebula

Biophysics

The Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (ICAL) was established to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in research, education, and industry, and to strengthen existing cooperation between the physical, biological, and engineering sciences by providing critically needed analytical facilities.
At present there are seven complimentary microanalytical systems in the laboratory. Graduate students may look forward to participating in exciting research areas which include: Nanoscale imaging; Microbial adhesion; Force spectroscopy; Nano elasticity; Bioprobe development; Surface functionalization; Laser activated atom migration.
For more details see:
http://www.physics.montana.edu/ical

Center for Bio-Inspired Nano-Materials
The use of protein cages for the synthesis and characterization of nano materials is a major new initiative here at Montana State University.  An interdisciplinary group has evolved at MSU, which includes faculty with expertise in chemistry, molecular biology, and physics.  In addition to individual PI funding, this group has been funded through the NIRT program at NSF.
For more information see:
http://www.chemistry.montana.edu/nano/

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
The PDT project is dicovering ways to cure cancer using laser light. Laser beams of 1 Watt 800nm wavelength 100-femtosecond pulses are used to target cancer cells, the beam being rastered over the surface of the cancer tumors.

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AFM phase images obtained in ICAL of a dividing Salmonella typhimurium bacterium expressing cfa/I fimbriae.

Protein cage

Condensed Matter Physics

An exceptionally broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research in condensed matter physics is available to graduate students. The topics include defect characterization, ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics, fuel cells, interfacial growth, magnetism (bulk and thin film), nanotechnology, phase transitions, spintronics, superconductivity, structural studies using x-ray and neutron diffraction, and specimen synthesis including single-crystal and thin-film growth.

State-of-the art experimental facilities at MSU enable measurements to temperatures as low as 0.3 K. We are leaders in the measurement of thermal expansion, using a novel device developed at MSU that is capable of detecting sub-angstrom length changes of specimens to study phase transitions and critical phenomena with superb resolution. Our Ion Beams Laboratory conducts experiments on thin films and buried solid-solid interfaces to reveal fundamental properties and growth mechanics of importance for fuel cells and electronic devices. Ceramics for fuel cells are fabricated and tested for their electrical properties. The spectroscopy group investigates defects in advanced materials at the atomic level using a host of techniques such as EPR, ENDOR and optical spectroscopy, with the goal of engineering new properties for novel applications in photonics and information technology. The Center of Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials utilizes biological molecules as templates for the synthesis of nanoparticles with unusual physical properties; this interdisciplinary effort thrives on close collaboration among biologists, chemists, and physicists at MSU. Some experiments are also conducted at facilities such as the High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
For further information see:

• Ionbeams Laboratory
• Magnetic Nanostructure Growth and Characterization Facility
• Magnetic Resonance Laboratory
• Electro-Active Materials Laboratory
• Superconductivity and Magnetism in Novel Materials
  
  
  

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Lasers and Optics

Research in optics and lasers at MSU extends from exploring fundamental physics to development of optical instruments and photonic devices. Research areas include: developing and studying new types of optical materials, sensors, and lasers; using optical crystals as novel photonic processing devices; exploring the non-linear response of molecules to laser pulses shorter than a trillionth of a second; and applying advanced laser and non-linear optics technologies to remote sensing and medical applications. Collaborations with researchers in the Optical Technology Center, Spectrum Lab, and Bozeman's growing optics industry provide enhanced research opportunities

The Spectrum Lab was established in 1999 to advance the opto-electronic technologies emerging from the research laboratories of Montana State University and foster their transition to Montana companies, while providing enhanced educational opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students. Teams of research scientists and students in Spectrum Lab and from science and engineering departments across the campus collaborate on research including photonic signal processing, lidar, quantum computing, laser development and stabilization, and optical material engineering and characterization.
For further information see:
Optics and Lasers Reseach

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The development and characterization of the continuous wave (cw) Raman laser

Physics Education

The Physics and Astronomy Education Group endeavors to improve teaching and learning at all levels. Graduate Students pursue a Ph.D. in physics with a principal research focus on science education. Students whose primary research is in other areas may pursue a minor in science education. Members in this group have extensive expertise in: improving learning in large lecture courses; research driven curriculum development; WWW-based instructional strategies; K-12 teacher education and authentic student assessment strategies and project evaluation. Working in this group prepares students for continuing research in the growing number of physics education groups across the country, teaching at two and four year colleges and universities and for careers in educational material development.

Dramatic classroom demonstrations embrace student learning

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Solar Physics

The Solar Physics group conducts diverse research aimed at understanding the Sun as a star and as the source of space weather. The MSU group is internationally known for theoretical and computational research in magnetohydrodynamics and radiation transfer, for collaborative studies with a worldwide cadre of observers and theorists, and for the group's central role in several space missions. The TRACE mission images the solar transition region and corona with unprecedented spatial resolution. The RHESSI mission studies solar flares with innovative combinations of X-ray and gamma-ray imaging and spectroscopy. MSU's involvement in the Hinode (Solar-B) mission benefits from the group's extensive experience with X-ray imaging during the Japan/US/UK Yohkoh mission, and expertise with ground-based instrumentation for magnetic field measurements and theoretical studies of solar magnetic fields. The AIA telescopes will extend the high-resolution heritage of TRACE to NASA's first "Living with a Star" mission, the Solar Dynamics Observatory, whose scientific scope extends from the interior of the Sun to the outer reaches of its corona. MOSES, a novel rocket borne ultraviolet imaging spectrograph designed and built at MSU, paves the way for future development of space based solar instrumentation in Montana.
For more information on Solar Group programs see:
solar.physics.montana.edu

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X-ray image of the Sun

Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL)

The Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) is a center of expertise with faculty, staff and facilities for space research and space technologies. MSU students play leading roles in developing space flight systems including rocket propulsion, an International Space Station experiment, small satellites, and sounding rocket payloads and are analyzing data from operational spacecraft. MOSES, a novel rocket borne ultraviolet imaging spectrograph, paves the way for future development of space based solar instrumentation in Montana. SSEL facilities include a tracking station, cleanrooms, an optical testing lab and environmental test chambers.

For more information on SSEL programs see:

www.ssel.montana.edu

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Montana's first satellite- Montana Earth Orbiting Pico Explorer (MEROPE) Satellite construction

The MOSES rocket during the construction stage