Hard Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

February 5-6, 2008

Purpose & Scope:
The purpose of this particular workshop is to survey solid state physics research activities relevant to both the NSLS and NSLS-II synchrotron light sources. Of particular interest will be new scientific directions and themes that can guide the evolution of current NSLS programs & their supporting beamlines as well as the facilities for NSLS II.

This particular workshop will focus on hard condensed matter and materials physics, including the electronic and structural properties of materials. Examples include correlated electron systems, new materials based on carbon (e.g., graphene), materials in extreme environments, low-dimensional systems, ferroelectrics, magnetism and multiferroics, ordered phases, etc. The relevant synchrotron-based techniques span a wide range of photon energies and experimental phenomena. Techniques of interest include x-ray, UV and IR spectroscopies, circular dichroism, ARPES, scattering (including coherent and inelastic), and diffraction, especially in the presence of extreme environments (very high or very low temperatures, strong magnetic or electric fields, high pressures) or on short time scales (dynamics).

Intended Audience:
Research scientists interested in the opportunities for condensed matter physics studies at both NSLS and NSLS-II. Participants are encouraged to submit questions and abstracts (see below) before the workshop, and to bring a few slides of relevant content on a memory stick for possible presentation and inclusion in the final report.