Mikel "Micky" Holcomb

Condensed Matter Physics, Optical & Laser Physics

Dr. Holcomb’s research focuses on the high-quality growth and novel characterization of strongly correlated systems. In these materials, there is a strong competition between the electric and magnetic properties, which can cause unique behavior, often useful for various technologies (e.g. computing, magnetic sensing, optical devices). We primarily focus on the effect of interface properties on bulk and coupling phenomena, such as magnetic dead layers (the loss of magnetism near the interface or surface) and magnetoelectricity (electric control of magnetism or vice versa). We take advantage of ultrafast optical and synchrotron techniques to provide depth-dependent information on atomic valence, magnetization and symmetry.