The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at Cornell University supports interactive and interdisciplinary research in four major thrust areas. It provides a central focus for interdisciplinary materials research at Cornell. Researchers in the polymers and polymer composites thrust are studying polymer interfaces and thin films, nanoscale polymer composites, and the dynamics of liquid crystalline polymers. The quantum phenomena thrust addresses the influence of quantum effects on electron transport in mesoscale systems, phase transitions, and fundamental excitations in condensed matter; researchers in this area also share expertise in low temperature experimental techniques. The surface structure and dynamics of a variety of materials are studied in the surfaces and interfaces thrust. A new thrust on theory and modelling of materials represents a concerted attempt to exploit major new computing resources to advance materials research in the MRL and beyond. The MRL also supports the development, operation and maintenance of major central facilities for materials research. It provides seed funding for exploratory research, supports a program to enhance the participation of minorities in materials research, fosters research participation by undergraduates, and administers an active industrial outreach program. The MRL currently supports the research activities of about 53 faculty members, 6 postdoctoral research associates, 39 graduate students, 17 undergraduates and 12 technical and scientific staff members: the MRL central facilities also support a substantial amount of research that is funded directly from other sources. The Cornell MRL is directed by Professor John Silcox.
