Scientific Activitites - Department of Chemical Physics

The Chemical Physics Department is truly interdisciplinary, touching a broad range of topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It is almost evenly split between theorists and experimentalists.

Theoretical research includes quantum control of atomic and molecular dynamics (Ilya Averbukh, Eli Pollak, David Tannor); the study of Light-Matter interaction (Ilya Averbukh, Gershon Kurizki, David Tannor); Fundamental issues in quantum mechanics (Gershon Kurizki, David Tannor); ab-initio Chemistry (Eli Pollak); photochemical and electrochemical reaction kinetics (Anatoly Burshtein) ; surface scattering (Eli Pollak); real time quantum dynamics methods (Eli Pollak, David Tannor) .
The department also has a strong classical physics program. Eran Bouchbinder studies the plasticity of disordered systems glassy phenomena, dynamic fracture and friction dynamics. Itamar Procaccia and Victor L’vov are interested in turbulence; Itamar is also heavily involved in the study of the physics of fractals, glass formation and mechanical properties of amorphous systems. Theoretical biophysics is the main thrust of research of Nir Gov, who studies theoretical modeling of cellular shapes and dynamics.
Experimental quantum optics are the focus of Barak Dayan’s experiments on atom mediated photon-photon interactions. Light matter interaction and nonlinear laser spectroscopy are the focus of the experimental research of Yehiam Prior. Edvardas Narevicius is developing the magnetic field control and slowing down of molecular beams. Oren Tal has developed unique methods for the study of single molecule conductors. Molecular electronics are also the main theme of research of Ron Na’aman who is studying organic-inorganic interfaces via self-assembled monolayers. Single molecule spectroscopy and its application to a broad range of topics, from protein dynamics to nanoplasmonics, are at the center of the experimental program of Gilad Haran.
A centerpiece of the experimental program in the Department is Magnetic Resonance. Lucio Frydman’s group develops new techniques and applies them to real Chemistry systems, with applications ranging from Physics to Biology. Shimon Vega and Daniella Goldfarb are developing and utilizing dynamic nuclear polarization methods for NMR, Shimon is deeply involved in solid state NMR, while Daniella’s research is also focused on electron paramagnetic resonance techniques applied to Biophysics and materials science. Zeev Luz continues in his role as the “father” of the Magnetic Resonance group in our Department.
The diverse interests as represented above have created a creative atmosphere of scientific activity. Members of the department have overlapping interests; collaborate with each other, providing students with a broad spectrum of challenges and knowledge. The friendly but intense work atmosphere, as well as the openness of our faculty to new challenges, lie at the heart of the scientific endeavors of all of us.

Ilya Averbukh
Quantum wave packets, light-matter interactions

Eran Bouchbinder
Non-equilibrium and statistical physics, Materials physics

Anatoly Burshtein
Quantum kinetics, Photochemistry & pump-probe spectroscopy

Barak Dayan
Experimental quantum optics

Lucio Frydman
New Methods and Applications in NMR- Solution phase, Solids and Imaging

Daniella Goldfarb
Electron Spin Resonance, porous materials, metalloenzymes

Nir Gov
Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Theory of Superfluid and Supersolid Helium

Gilad Haran
Single molecule spectroscopy and imaging

Gershon Kurizki
Quantum optics, physics of cold atoms & Quantum information

Victor L'vov
Nonlinear physics, Hydrodynamic & wave turbulence

Zeev Luz
Solid state & liquid crystal NMR

Ron Naaman
Molecular electronics