The seven members of our experimental condensed matter physics group conduct research on the properties and applications of a large range of materials. Particular interests include semiconductors, graphene and carbon nanotubes, soft materials such as gels and polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and surfaces and interfaces. Our group uses techniques such as scanning probe microscopy, positron emission spectroscopy, scattering of neutrons, ions, and light, rheometry, and a range of optical techniques. We also make extensive use of the Western’s Nanofabrication Facility. Our faculty are involved in numerous collaborations with researchers from Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine, and other departments at Western, as well as with scientists from other universities.(Research Faculty, Research Details) Theoretical and computational research is done on the quantum properties of solids, both as bulk materials and as artificially-structured nanomaterials. Areas our faculty are exploring include the magnetic, electronic, and optical properties of nanomaterials, surface physics, and photonic materials, microfluids and liquid crystals. (Research Faculty, Research Details) The Medical Physics group consists of 3 core faculty members along with several adjunct and cross-appointed professors from other departments and institutes. The main research interests include medical imaging (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and computed tomography), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Adjunct and cross-appointed members include scientists from the Robarts Research Institute, the London Regional Cancer Program, the London Health Sciences Centre, and the Lawson Health Research Institute (part of St. Joseph's Health Centre and London Health Sciences Centre).
Biomaterials is studied by four core faculty and several adjunct and cross-appointed faculty at other departments and
institutes. (Research Faculty,
Research Details) This encompasses a rich and diverse set of disciplines ranging from the study of planet formation and planetary systems, to comets, meteors, and asteroids, and the Earth's atmosphere. The Observatory at Elginfield as well as the radar site at Tavistock are used for the study of meteors, meteorites, bolides, and near-earth asteroids. Also included is the study of our own Earth's atmosphere. The atmospheric observatory at Delaware has a laser radar
(LIDAR) which measure temperature and composition of atmosphere up to about 100 km altitude. At another local field
station a CLOVAR radar is used to measure wind speed and temperature in the lower atmosphere. There is a similar UWO
radar in operation at Resolute Bay (NWT). Other studies of the composition and dynamics of the middle atmosphere use
satellite instrumentation. Theoretical studies are made of the nonlinear dynamics and plasma instabilities in the
upper atmosphere. The space physics group makes theoretical and experimental studies of interplanetary dust and
meteors. Also offered is The Collaborative Program in Theoretical Physics, where students can pursue research in fundamental physics in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Physics Research
(for Astronomy Research see the 'Research Overview' slideout in the right menu)
Condensed Matter, Materials Science, and Nanotechnology - Experimental
Condensed Matter, Materials Science, and Nanotechnology - Theoretical
Medical Physics
Planetary Science
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