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Gang Xiao

Professor:
Physics
Phone: +1 401 863 2586
Gang_Xiao@brown.edu

Professor Xiao works in experimental condensed matter physics with a focus on nanoscale materials. He has been studying spintronics, an emerging field that harnesses the electron's spin to create new electronic devices. He directs research toward the understanding of issues in spintronics, which are both fundamental and essential to applications. He has developed a method to visualize the flow of electrical current through very small wires. The technique is being applied to the quality control of integrated circuits and is the technical basis of start-up company, Micro Magnetics.

Biography

Professor Xiao joined the faculty at Brown in 1989. He is Professor of Physics and Professor of Engineering. He is the Director of the Center for Nanoscience and Soft Matter. He pursued his doctoral and postdoctoral studies at the Johns Hopkins University. He was an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow from 1990 to 1992. He received a five-year National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award in 1992. He was a recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist Award from the Overseas Chinese Physicists Association in 1995. He received an IBM Partnership Award during 1997 to 1999. He has been a Visiting Scientist at IBM Watson Research Center, and a Visiting Professor at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Professor Xiao's research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and industrial sponsors. He was a recipient of the IBM Partnership Award, and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow.

Interests

Professor Xiao's research is focused on nanoscale magnetism and spintronics, in particular, magnetic tunneling junctions, superlattices, and granular and self-assembled systems. The objective is to investigate and solve outstanding physics problems that are both basic and essential to applications. He has developed reliable fabrication processes leading to excellent magnetic nanostructures. He has explored magnetotransport in these novel magnetic systems, in particular, the properties of magnetoresistance (MR) and extraordinary Hall effect (EHE). These systems have been found to offer enhanced magnetotransport properties. The subject of magnetic interactions has been studied with the purposes of engineering magnetic switching fields and achieving large MR and EHE at low magnetic fields. His research has led to a more comprehensive understanding of properties of nanoscale magnetic systems.

Nanoscale spintronics is important to the future competitiveness of the semiconductor industry in the United States. Professor Xiao's project has supported many graduate students. He has also investigated magnets and quantum spin dependent phenomena in nanometer sized magnets assembled in arrays through self-assembly processes and embedded in metals. In these new systems, many physical properties defy interpretations using traditional theoretical understanding. His research is designed to foster better understanding of the physics involved and to develop a reliable fabrication process. His research has benefited the high-tech industries, helping them to overcome roadblocks that impede the advancement toward smaller, thinner, faster, and cost-effective devices.

Awards

1997-99 IBM Partnership Award (Nationwide competition)
1996 IBM Invention Achievement Award
1994 Outstanding Young Researcher Award of the Overseas Chinese Physics Association.
1992 NSF Young Investigator Award
1990 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow.
1988 Ph.D. granted with distinction, The Johns Hopkins University.
1988 Phi Beta Kappa
1986 Graduate Student Award, Materials Research Society.

Affiliations

Fellow of the American Physical Society
Member, Materials Research Society

Teaching

Professor Xiao has taught all levels of physics in various sub-fields to undergraduate and graduate students. He has taught both theoretical and experimental courses. Currently, he is developing a course to introduce graduate students to recent topics in condensed matter physics. It will cover topics such as superconductivity, magneticm and spintronics, nanotechnology, and physics applied to financial activities. Some courses taught are listed below.

Funded Research

Selected research grants of Professor Gang Xiao:
National Science Foundation "Nanoscale Magnetism and Spintronics", $330,000, 7/2003-6/2006.
National Science Foundation "Physics of Magnetoelectronic Microstructures", $300,000, 4/2000-3/2003.
NSF "Ultrafast Dynamics and Micromagnetics in Magnetic Tunneling Junctions", $456,000, 10/1997-9/2000.
National Science Foundation "Physics of Normal Metal-Superconductor Microstructures", $260,000, 3/1995-2/2000.
National Science Foundation "NSF Young Investigator Award", $317,500, 8/1992-7/1998.
National Science Foundation "Physics of Novel Superconducting Structures", $205,000, 8/1991-4/1995.

Web Links

Curriculum Vitae

Download Gang Xiao's Curriculum Vitae in PDF Format