Brian D'Urso

The research in the D'Urso group spans several major research areas:
Quantum nanomechanics: Our research on quantum nanomechanics has focused on the development of nanometer-scale mechanical systems where quantum mechanics can have significant effects. Recently, we have been focused on the mechanical motion of a diamond nanocrystal in an optical trap, where nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in the nanodiamond can be used to measure and control the quantum motion of the trapped nanocrystal.
Graphene and other two-dimensional materials and their applications: As part our nanomechanics research, we started growing our own graphene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The growth of graphene has expanded into a project of its own, and we now provide graphene to several collaborating groups around the world.
Superhydrophobic nanostructured materials and measurements in fluid dynamics: My research in superhydrophobic materials began while I was at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and has continued at Pitt in continued collaboration with researchers at ORNL. This effort also expanded to include the development of photon correlation spectroscopy for precise absolute measurements of the shear rate in fluid flow with Walter Goldburg at Pitt.
Open scientific instruments and physics education research: Motivated by success in instructional physics labs, my group has been making custom scientific instruments using Arduino microcontroller boards and Python. We use these instruments both in our research and and in instructional laboratories for undergraduates.