MSc in Physics and Astronomy - Laser Spectroscopy and Optics in Washington United States | Howard University

Our research in laser spectroscopy and optics is part of the wider field of Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics. A key area of investigation centers on Raman spectroscopy applied to graphitic nanomaterials (including single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and functionalized graphene nanoplatelets) and metal oxides (such as tungsten trioxide and tin dioxide), with the goal of analyzing these materials for gas detection, energy storage, and solar cell applications. We also employ additional spectroscopic methods (like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV-VIS Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction) to study vibrational phonon modes, crystallite size, chemical makeup, surface structure, and thermal properties of these nanomaterials for advanced optoelectronic and quantum science applications. Furthermore, we've conducted spectroscopic analysis of supersonic jet-cooled free radicals relevant to combustion (such as alkoxy and alkylthio radicals), including their reaction kinetics with NOx and oxygen. We're exploring computational modeling and simulations of nanomaterial vibrational properties for gas sensing, alongside machine learning and AI approaches to identify various functional groups (like carboxyl, ammonia, oxygen, fluoro-carbon, nitrogen, and hydroxyl) in graphene nanoplatelets. Additionally, we're investigating terahertz spectroscopy of metamaterials for potential uses in spatial light modulators and liquid crystal technologies.