Lewandowski Group Research

Our group works in two distinct, but complementary, areas of science, experimental cold molecular physics and physics education research. Both of these areas are inherently interdisciplinary in nature, where we bridge traditional boundaries of physics, chemistry, and social science. Ìý For the first area, we cool and trap neutral and ionic molecules to explore how controlling the internal quantum states and translational motion can impact how they interact and react. We also take advantage of cooling molecules to be able to perform high-resolution spectroscopy to elucidate complex molecular structure. The second area of research focuses on developing understanding of how students learn experimental physics. We apply the new knowledge to improve undergraduate and graduate education in experimental and laboratory physics.Ìý

Research Areas

Cold Molecular Collisions

Our lab studies elastic and inelastic collisions between atoms and molecules in the cold temperature regime to understand how the collision energy and quantum states impact the interactions.

Ion-Molecule Reactions

Our lab directly laser cools trapped calciumÌýions (Ca+) down to milikelvin temperatures for the purpose of studying gas-phase cold chemical reactions.

Molecular Spectroscopy

Our lab uses a Cryogenic Buffer-Gas Beam (CBGB) and a mid-infrared (mid-IR)Ìýspectroscopy setup for the purpose of studying the vibrational spectra of cold, gas-phaseÌýmolecular clusters.Ìý

Stark Deceleration

Our research uses supersonic expansion coupled with Stark deceleration to cool and slow polar molecules.Ìý

Physics Education Research

PER - Resources for Researchers

The LewandowskiÌýGroup studies how studentsÌýobtain experimental researchÌýskills in the context ofÌýinstructional labs and undergraduate researchÌýexperiences. In addition, we work to transform classroom experiences to help students better transition into the research lab environment.

PER - Resources for Instructors

Looking for ways to evaluate or transform your physics lab course? We have developed multiple assessment tools including E-CLASS, MAPLE, and SPRUCEÌýto help evaluate undergraduate physics lab courses.