This is a Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site grant. The award permits undergraduate students to participate in a research program in the materials field under the supervision of faculty members actively engaged in research. Eight undergraduate students are being recruited from physics departments in the Southwest United States, with at least three of the openings being reserved for qualified women, handicapped, and minority students. Students will participate in a summer program that involves them in research associated with a faculty member on laser-host materials, electro-optic, photorefractive and colloidal materials with potential for application in optical systems. The nine areas of this research include crystal growth, time-resolved site-selection spectroscopy, optical instabilities, optical characterization of quantum wells and superlattices, characterization of defect states in compound semiconductors, thermal transport in optical materials, complex fluids, and colloidal physics and optical filters. Students will present the results of their research in university seminars and at national professional society meetings. The program enhances current research activities as well as adding to the number of scientifically trained individuals. It is hoped that this hands- on experience will serve as a stimulus to attract and retain highly-gifted students into careers in teaching and research.
