Birge Group

Welcome to the Birge group at Michigan State University. Our research focuses on "mesoscopic physics," the study of materials on small-length (sub-micron) scales. This size regime lies between the macroscopic world of things we can see and touch, and the microscopic world of single atoms or molecules. Mesoscopic samples often exhibit novel phenomena not observed in larger samples. We are currently studying the interplay between superconductivity and magnetism in hybrid samples. A few years ago, we confirmed a theoretical prediction that one can generate spin-triplet electron pairs in systems containing only conventional spin-singlet superconductors in contact with ferromagnets. Since then, we have been working on how to optimize and control this new effect. We are also working on using ferromagnetic Josephson junctions for cryogenic (superconducting) memory.

Other recent research topics include: how to measure high-order noise correlations using a Josephson junction as a current threshold detector, the use of tunneling spectroscopy to probe electron-electron interactions in carbon nanotubes, and nonequilibrium phenomena in superconductor/normal metal hybrid systems.

 

Call us: (517) 884-5653   |   Email us: birge@pa.msu.edu