Robert Meulenberg

In the most general terms, the Meulenberg research group is involved in the understanding of both fundamental and applied physics and chemistry of nanoscale materials. Meulenberg’s group currently has projects ranging from semiconductor plasmonics, nanomagnetism, silicon photonics, and mesoscopic chemistry and physics. In addition, Meulenberg’s group has played an important role in utilizing element specific spectroscopic tools, such as x-ray spectroscopy, to probe the complex chemistry and physics of low dimensional solids.

To date, the Meulenberg research group has made large strides and impact in using advanced characterization methods towards probing the electronic structure of a host of nanoscale materials. Most of the methods employed by the group involve synchrotron-based x-ray spectroscopy (absorption, emission, photoemission). Most recently, Meulenberg and his students have been exploring both in situ/operando studies of chemical processes using x-ray absorption as well as utilizing time resolved (pump/probe) x-ray spectroscopy to probe charge carrier dynamics in nanomaterials. To perform these measurements, travel to national or international facilities with synchrotron radiation sources is required. Prof. Meulenberg has been successful in securing beamtime by writing user proposals that undergo a highly competitive and peer reviewed process. Since his appointment began at UMaine, Meulenberg and his students have been awarded over 30 different synchrotron beamtimes in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

Awards

2013 UMaine College of Engineering Early Career award