Department of Physics

Math and physics fun planned for FSU open houses

The fun and wonder of math and physics will take center stage at two free open houses this week at Florida State University. The FSU Physics Department’s “Circus of Physics” and the FSU Mathematics Department’s “Math Fun Day” are planned for March 25 on the FSU campus. Taking its inspiration from the physical laws that […]

Florida State physicist elected American Physical Society Fellow

A Florida State University physicist and researcher at the FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Professor of Physics Oskar Vafek was recognized by APS for his work in correlated electron physics, which explores how a collection of particles, or a material system such as graphene, […]

Particles, superconductors and black holes: FSU professors invite community to physics class

Florida State University physics professors are welcoming the community into the classroom this fall to learn about magnets, waves and exploding stars through the annual Saturday Morning Physics program. “Saturday Morning Physics is a free-of-charge lecture series in which physicists discuss their work in easy-to-understand, non-technical terms,” said Assistant Professor of Physics Sean Dobbs. “The […]

10 years later: FSU physicist explains impact of Higgs boson discovery

A decade ago, physicists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) announced a newly discovered subatomic particle: the Higgs boson. The particle was the last element of the theory of particle physics known as the Standard Model to still be missing experimental evidence. Its discovery filled in a missing keystone of the Standard Model […]

FSU astrophysicist chosen for key role in international science collaboration mapping remnant light from the Big Bang

A Florida State University cosmologist has been selected to co-lead a Department of Energy and National Science Foundation project investigating the faint leftover radiation from the Big Bang known as the cosmic microwave background, or CMB. FSU Associate Professor of Physics Kevin Huffenberger and University of Chicago Associate Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Jeff McMahon […]

A slam dunk: FSU researchers take on the science of basketball

With Selection Sunday nearly upon us, the sports world is primed for March Madness. Who will be this year’s Cinderella story? Who will go home early? And which teams will make it to the Final Four? Florida State University Associate Professor of Physics Hanwei Gao and Assistant Professor of Sport Management David Pifer break down […]

MagLab chief scientist appointed to President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

The chief scientist at the Florida State University-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has been appointed to serve on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). U.S. President Joe Biden named Laura Greene, chief scientist at the National MagLab and the Marie Krafft Professor of Physics at Florida State University, as part […]

CCI’s Larry Dennis returns to faculty after 17 years of service as dean

As a nuclear physicist with an interest in information technology education, it’s safe to say that Larry Dennis likes to wrestle with complex, ambiguous problems. Now, after more than a decade as dean of the College of Communication and Information, Dennis has returned to the faculty to spend more time focusing on and solving intricate […]

FSU researchers receive NSF grant to investigate quantum effects in a potential hybrid semiconductor

A fascinating hybrid organic-inorganic compound has shown remarkable promise over the past few years as a material for light-emitting and solar devices. But while researchers have rushed to fine-tune that material’s properties, it’s possible they missed out on a lot of other unique aspects to this compound, said Florida State University Associate Professor of Physics Hanwei Gao. “People have been focused on […]

FSU physics professor wins early career award from Department of Energy

A Florida State University researcher has received an award from the Department of Energy to conduct cutting-edge research on quantum materials and optical physics. Assistant Professor of Physics Guangxin Ni was selected to receive the award as part of the DOE’s Early Career Research Program. Under the program, university-based researchers will receive $150,000 annually over […]

Staring into space: Physicists predict neutron stars may be bigger than previously imagined

When a massive star dies, first there is a supernova explosion. Then, what’s left over becomes either a black hole or a neutron star. That neutron star is the densest celestial body that astronomers can observe, with a mass about 1.4 times the size of the sun. However, there is still little known about these impressive objects. Now, a Florida State […]

FSU early career researchers receive prestigious NSF award

Three Florida State University faculty members have been recognized by the National Science Foundation with the prestigious CAREER Award, a grant given to promising up-and-coming researchers who are expected to become leaders in their fields. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Awards are given to junior faculty with the potential to serve as role models in […]