PhD in Physics - Experimental Atomic Physics in Manhattan United States | Kansas State University

The atomic, molecular, and optical physics research team conducts a broad range of studies examining how highly-charged ions interact with different target materials. These ions are generated as controlled beams using multiple ion sources and accelerators housed in the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory for atomic physics research. The precisely characterized ion beams, with specific charge and energy levels, enable detailed investigation of collision dynamics under controlled conditions. Researchers analyze both single and multi-electron atomic and molecular interactions by examining resulting ionic species and their decay products. Collision targets include ground-state and laser-excited atoms and molecules, along with atomic and molecular ion beams. Some experiments achieve such precision that they reveal details about the quantum mechanical states participating in the reactions. These findings are regularly compared with theoretical models developed by Kansas State's theory team and other collaborating theorists worldwide. The productive collaboration between theorists and experimentalists frequently yields deeper physical insights and sometimes uncovers novel phenomena, innovative experimental techniques, or enhanced computational approaches. Having robust theoretical and experimental programs within the same department establishes Kansas State as a global leader in atomic physics research. This reputation draws scientists from across the globe to conduct experiments at Kansas State's facilities.