The Laboratory for Atomic and Surface Physics

We study the interaction of energetic particles (ions, electrons) and photons with surfaces. Our goals are to understand the mechanisms leading to electronic excitations and how these excitations evolve and lead to the emission of light (luminescence), electrons, radiation, atoms and molecules (sputtering and photodesorption), and to radiation damage, chemical changes or heat. We currently study metals, rare gas solids, condensed molecular gases, ultrathin carbon foils, diamond, minerals, and oxides. The studies are driven by interest in fundamental phenomena and by applications to astrophysics, space exploration, semiconductor processing, nuclear fusion, gas discharges and biology. On applied physics and engineering, we work on the development of instrumentation for space research that fly in current missions (CASSINI) and proposed for future space missions.

A substantial part of our work consists in modeling and laboratory simulations of surface processes in icy satellites, planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres, and interstellar grains. Our work is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation. 

LASP is arranged functionally in three laboratories:
Ion Beam Laboratory       Laboratory for Space Research     Surface Science Center

It is the home of the international Particle-Solid Interactions Web Site and mailing-list 

Address: LASP, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, P. O. Box 400238
Charlottesville, VA  22904-4238, U. S. A.         Phone: 434-924-1059     Fax: 434-924-1353    

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• U. Va Home Page            U. Va. directory
• Physics department         Astronomy department    

 Last modified: June 2007