Astronomy
Appalachian astronomers benefit from unique facilities at the Dark Sky Observatory (DSO), in addition to using large ground-based observatories such as the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) in Hawaii, the Keck telescope or the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, and space-based telescopes like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Current research efforts focus on stellar spectroscopy, stellar populations, eclipsing binary stars, stellar variability, exoplanet detection and characterization, and the chemistry of forming planetary systems. In addition, we study comets at optical and infrared wavelengths through spectroscopy, employing telescopes ranging from our local Dark Sky Observatory all the way to the large facilities such as the Keck telescopes in Hawaii and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Associated Faculty
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
The department includes the Biophysics and Optical Sciences Facility (BiyOSeF) and the Ion Trap Laboratory. Using automated optical tweezers, Raman spectroscopy, a Laser Tweezers Raman Spectroscopy (LTRS) system, and a quantum optics aparatus, faculty at Appalachian explore physical and biological systems. Faculty also conduct research on the radiative properties and reaction rates of low-charge-state ions produced and stored in a UHV environment.
Associated Faculty
Nanoscience and Condensed Matter Physics
The department includes state of the art microscopy facilities, as well as nanofabrication capabilities ranging from UHV thin-film deposition to e-beam lithography. Faculty use scanning probe microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques to explore the properties of organic semiconductor thin films or the growth of metallic nanoparticles.
Associated Faculty
Atmospheric and Environmental Science
Faculty members are involved in interdisciplinary research initiatives in collaboration with the Environmental Science Program. Facilities include the Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary Research Program (AppalAIR). The Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary Research Facilities (AppalAIR) are home to the only co-located NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), NASA Micro-pulsed LIdar Network (MPLNET), and NOAA Federated Aerosol Network (NOAA FAN) sites in the U.S., with data used in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report (IPCC AR 6, 2021) and other global climate and air quality studies. Facilities also include the Applied Fluids Lab (AFL). Projects entail the modeling of granular flow, sediment transport, and river streams, as well as research on air pollution and transport, the impact of aerosols on climate and the forecast of high-impact events (severe weather) in the context of climate variability and change. Additionally, the Ion Trapping Lab conducts work on molecular ions that are abundant in the Ionosphere and active in ozone and IR production in that region.
Associated Faculty
Robotics and Electronics
Faculty members are collaborating with NASA to develop instrumentation related to the Artemis moon landing program and Mars rover program. The department is also involved in the development of remote sensing instrumentation (Braille display, stream monitoring, telemetry...), and is a part of Team Sunergy, Appalachian's solar vehicle team. Current MS Engineering students are working on next generation spectrographs and reworking the spectroscopy automation software at our Dark Sky Observatory.
Associated Faculty
Additional facilities available to faculty, staff, and students include:
- Computation & Visualization Lab
- Electronics, Instrumentation, and Robotics Laboratories
- Machine & Electronic Shop
- Physics Demonstrations and Instructional Facilities
- Rankin "GoTo" Instructional Astronomy Facility