"everything should be made as simple as possible...but not simpler." A. Einstein

Our current research focuses on the interactions between laser light and matter.

The current projects being pursued involve the study of the interactions between azo dyes, nematic liquid crystals, and polymer surfaces. These interactions have an important role on the nonlinear optical properties of nematic liquid crystals. The research is designed to test models developed in our laboratory describing photo-induced reorientation of the liquid crystal director. We are also extending those models to include the surface interactions that lead to surface director gliding (reorientation of the director at the polymer/liquid crystal interface).

The goal of this research is to enhance our understanding of the processes involved in photo-induced reorientation of nematic liquid crystals. The interaction of dyes with liquid crystal samples is also of much interest in physical chemistry. This work is disseminated both as published articles in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings.

This research is directed toward the education and training of undergraduate students at Allegheny College. Allegheny College fosters a research rich educational environment for undergraduate students at all levels, where a majority of our students are co-authors on peer-reviewed articles and presentations at international meetings. The investigations actively engage undergraduate students, through independent study projects, summer research, and Senior Research Projects. This work also involves collaboration with the liquid crystals group at the Research Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Allegheny students also have the opportunity to take part in that collaboration.