Suggestions
Randall Feenstra
Professor at Carnegie Mellon University
Randall M. Feenstra is a prominent Canadian physicist and a Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he has been teaching since 1995. He specializes in the field of semiconductors and condensed matter physics, with a particular focus on the structural and electronic properties of semiconductor materials and devices.
Education and Career
- Bachelor's Degree: Engineering Physics from the University of British Columbia (1978).
- Master's and Ph.D.: Both in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology (1980, 1982).
- IBM Research: Worked as a research staff member at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center from 1982 to 1995, where he was involved in pioneering studies using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to investigate semiconductor materials.
Research Interests
Feenstra's research primarily revolves around:
- Scanning Tunneling Microscopy: Utilizing this technique to image atomic structures and measure electronic properties of surfaces.
- Semiconductor Heterostructures: Investigating how structural imperfections affect electronic properties, particularly focusing on materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN), which is critical for blue light-emitting devices and microwave applications.
- Two-Dimensional Materials: Recent studies include graphene and hexagonal boron nitride, exploring their unique electronic characteristics using advanced microscopy techniques.
Honors and Awards
Feenstra has received several prestigious accolades throughout his career:
- Fellow of the American Physical Society (1997) for contributions to STM technology.
- Davisson-Germer Prize in Atomic or Surface Physics (2019).
- Peter Mark Memorial Award from the American Vacuum Society (1989).
- Recognized as an Outstanding Referee by the American Physical Society (2009).
Publications
He has authored numerous influential publications in his field, contributing significantly to our understanding of semiconductor interfaces and two-dimensional materials. His work is highly cited, reflecting his impact on condensed matter physics.
In summary, Randall Feenstra is a distinguished physicist whose research at Carnegie Mellon University continues to advance our knowledge of semiconductor materials and their applications in modern technology.
