Physical Chemistry at UCLA is remarkably broad in scope. Research ranges from chemical dynamics at the heart of gas- and condensed-phase spectroscopy to surface science, to self-assembly of nanoparticles, complex fluids and inorganic-organic composites. The latter topics are at the interface with inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, computer science and physics. Work is carried out on a variety of exotic systems: photo-activated redox couples, van der Waals clusters, Langmuir-Blodgett films and Langmuir monolayers; foams; DNA and other macromolecules such as conjugated polymers; metal and semiconducting quantum dots; mesoporous materials; metal-ceramic interfaces; semiconductor and metal surfaces; and supercooled liquids. As a result, the physical chemists have strong ties to other divisions in chemistry at UCLA, as well as many other departments in physical science and engineering. Finally, there is a long-standing tradition of collegiality and enthusiasm for research, which has led to many joint projects and close collaborations among theorists and experimentalists. This provides a graduate student with an unusually flexible and superbly rich research experience.

Atomic force micrograph of a 1-micrometer-diameter, 50-nm-high cylinder that was self-assembled from 3-nm-diameter metallic quantum dots. The physics of this self-assembly process, as well as the electronic and optical properties of this and similar structures, are investigated by the Heath and Gelbart laboratories. Image by S.W. Chung.

Transition state for hydrogen molecules desorbing from the Si (100) -2xl surface, as determined by first principles calculations carried out in the Carter laboratory. Image by N. Govind, S.C. Watson and E. A. Carter.