Jeremy Carlo, PhD, studies the physics of magnetism in matter. While magnetism, which arises from interactions between unpaired electrons, has been known since ancient times, many mysteries still remain. In particular, he is interested in materials in which magnetic ordering is more spatially complex than in simple cases of ferromagnetism (as occurs in metallic iron and related materials). His research focuses on geometric magnetic frustration, in which the arrangement of magnetic ions inhibits the development of magnetic order. Frustration gives rise to a rich variety of magnetic states, and provides a window into exotic physics inaccessible in more conventional materials.
His research involves both work on campus, and experiments performed at national laboratories. He has set up a synthesis laboratory on campus, which includes an x-ray diffractometer to characterize crystalline structure, and frequently travel to large facilities including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and TRIUMF to perform definitive characterization using neutron and muon beam radiation. Over the past five years Dr. Carlo has had eight undergraduate research students, who have participated in sample synthesis as well as experiments at national laboratories, and they have presented their results at regional and national American Physical Society meetings. He is always happy to welcome new students into his group, where they will experience research using a diverse set of techniques, and the opportunity to perform research at national laboratories in collaboration with colleagues from the US and Canada.
