Welcome to the Department of Physics
Embedded Files
Exploring matter, light, and quantum phenomena to transform our world
The Department of Physics at the Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología (CNyN‑UNAM) is a dynamic academic and research environment devoted to the generation of fundamental knowledge and its translation into advanced technological applications. Through a strong combination of experimental physics, materials science, and nanotechnology, the department addresses key scientific challenges relevant to electronics, energy, health, and emerging information technologies.
Our research activities focus on the synthesis, characterization, and modeling of functional materials and nanostructures, with particular emphasis on electronic, magnetic, optical, and spin-dependent phenomena. Current lines of work include defect-mediated properties in oxide and semiconductor materials, dilute magnetic semiconductors, spintronic and magnetotransport systems, luminescent and piezoelectric materials, and low-dimensional nanostructures, as well as their integration into prototype devices.
The department plays an active role in human-resource formation by locally coordinating the Graduate Program in Physical Sciences at UNAM (http://www.posgrado.fisica.unam.mx) and the nanostructures specialization of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nanotechnology at UNAM (https://nanolic.ens.cnyn.unam.mx), offering students a solid training grounded in state-of-the-art instrumentation, interdisciplinary research, and international collaboration.
Research Areas
Our research encompasses the exploration and understanding of advanced quantum and functional materials, with a focus on their fundamental properties and potential technological applications. We investigate spintronics and quantum materials, seeking to uncover and control spin-dependent phenomena in solids. Our work also includes studies of two-dimensional systems and semiconductors, where reduced dimensionality gives rise to novel electronic and optical behaviours. Through high-resolution surface and nanostructure characterization, we probe the structure–property relationships that underpin material functionality. Additionally, we engage in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics and biology, exploring biophysical processes and the physics of biomaterials. Across these areas, we pursue approaches in quantum information and optomechanics to deepen our understanding of light-matter interactions and to contribute to the development of emerging quantum technologies.
Our Researchers
Our department brings together internationally recognized researchers, experienced theoretical & experimental physicists, and emerging scientific talent. United by a strong culture of rigor and collaboration, we conduct high-quality research in physics and materials science, combining advanced synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization, and solid theoretical understanding.
Through close mentoring and hands-on training, our researchers are dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and to the development of technologies of national and international relevance.
Recent Publications
Osteogenic potential and hemocompatibility of rare-earth doped hydroxyapatite in murine pre-osteoblast cells
F. Martínez-Pallares, K. Jaurez-Moreno, L. Vázquez, M. Herrera, O. Graeve.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2026)
Vacancy-Mediated Bound Magnetic Polarons as the Driving Mechanism for Ferromagnetism in Fe-Doped SnO2 Nanowires
D. Montalvo, D. M. Hoat, V. Gómez, W. de la Cruz, S. Camacho, K. Carrera, V. Orozco, J. Guerrero, M. Herrera.
ACS Omega (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10549
Defect-Mediated Electrical Conduction and Piezoelectricity in Hydroxyapatite Nanofibers. V. Huerta, E. Murillo, E. Chaikina, O. A. Graeve, and M. Herrera.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 129 (2025) 8428-8435.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c04028
From Single to Multi-Glass/Ceramic Microarchitectures via Two-Photo Lithography. J Arriaga, C. Rosero, D. Jonker, R. Tiggelaar, H van Vossen, H, Gardeniers, M. Herrera, and A. Susarrey.
Advanced Optical Materials 13 (2025) e011658 1-16.
https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202501658
Yb3+ Mediated Luminescence Enhancement in Er3+ doped 3D-Printed ZrO2 Microarchitectures C. Rosero, G. C. Vasquez, M. Herrera, M. Cordova, I. de Leon, F. Ruiz, H. Gardiniers, D. Maestre, A. Aguirre, and A. Susarrey
Applied Materials Today 44 (2025) 102714.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2025.102714
Formation of Oxygen Vacancies in Cr3+-Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanofibers and Their Role in Generating Paramagnetism. K. Carrera, V. Huerta, V. Orozco, J. Matutes, A. Urbieta, P. Fernández, F. Martínez, O. A. Graeve, M. Herrera
Biomedical Materials & Devices 3 (2025) 529.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44174-024-00191-3
Band structure and optical response of Kekule-modulated α-T3 model.
Luis E. Sanchez-Gonzalez, M. A. Mojarro, Jesus A. Maytorena, and Ramon Carrillo-Bastos.
Physical Review B 111, 115417 (2025).
Entangling power of symmetric multiqubit systems: a geometrical approach.
Eduardo Serrano-Ensastiga, Diego Morachis Galindo, Jesus A. Maytorena, and Chryssomalis
Chryssomalakos.
Annals of Physics 481 (2025) 170143.
A perturbative analytical solution for 3-level systems: The 3-State Rabi model and the linearized
Triple-Quantum-Dot Shuttle
Prat Vazquez-Peralta, Jesus A. Maytorena, F. Rojas and E. Cota.
Annals of Physics 482 (2025) 170185
Probing quantum geometric capacitance via photonic spin Hall effect.
Yahir Fernandez Mendez, Ramon Carrillo Bastos, and Jesus A. Maytorena.
Physical Review B 112, L121407 (2025).
Link of the Zitterbewegung with the spin conductivity and the spin-textures of multiband systems
Francisco Mireles and Eibar Ortíz
Condensed Matter Physics 28, 43704-1 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.5488/cmp.28.43704
Spin-orbit effects in single-layer phosphorene
M. Peralta, D. Freire, R. González-Hernández, and F. Mireles
Physical Review B 110 (2024) 085404
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.110.085404
Spin-valley locking in Kekulé-distorted graphene with Dirac-Rashba interactions.
Spin-valley locking in Kekulé-distorted graphene with Dirac-Rashba interactions.
DA Ruiz-Tijerina, JA Sánchez-Sánchez, R Carrillo-Bastos, SG y García and F. Mireles
Physical Review B 109 (7), 075410 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.109.075410
Uhlmann phase of a thermal spin-1 system with zero field splitting
F. Nieto-Guadarrama, F. Rojas, E. Cota, Jesús A. Maytorena, J. Villavicencio and D. Morachis-Galindo.
Annals of Physics 467 (2024) 169706
Spin Hall magnetoresistance in Pt/(Ga,Mn)N devices
J. A. Mendoza-Rodarte, K. Gas, M. Herrera-Zaldívar, D. Hommel, M. Sawicki, and M. H. D. Guimarães.
Applied Physics Letters 125 (2024) 152404 1-6
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0218364
Influence of oxygen impurities in generating ferromagnetism in GaN doped with Mn, Fe, and Cr.
J. A. Mendoza, D. Maestre, S. Camacho, M. H. D. Guimarães, J. Guerrero, and M. Herrera.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 35 (2024) 2007.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-13701-2
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Oleylamine as a sour saline corrosion inhibitor under laminar flow at 40 C.
J. Alvarez, K. Carrera, M. Chinchillas, M. Herrera, A. Martínez, and V. Orozco.
Materials 17 (2024) 5284.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215284
Formation of oxygen vacancies in Cr3+-doped hydroxyapatite nanofibers and their role in generating paramagnetism
K. Carrera, V. Huerta, V. Orozco, J. Matutes, A. Urbieta, P. Fernández, F. Martínez, O. A. Graeve, and M. Herrera
Biomedical Materials and Devices (2024)
doi.org/10.1007/s44174-024-00191-3
Additive manufacturing of Zn-doped ZrO2 architectures
J. Winczewski, J. Arriaga, D. Maestre, M. Herrera, H. Gardeniers, A. Susarrey
Advanced Engineering Materials (2024) 2400187
doi.org/10.1002/adem.202400187
Decomposition of luminescent hydroxyapatite scaffolds in simulated body fluid
F. Martinez-Pallares, M. Herrera, and O. Graeve
ACS Applied Biomaterials 7 (2024) 3136-3142
doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c00154
Barium vacancies as the origin of triboluminescence in hexacelsian ceramics: An ab initio and experimental investigation.
E. Novitskaya, M. Amachraa, F. Martinez-Pallares, F. Guell, V. Gomez-Vidales, S. Ping Ong, M. Herrera, and O. A. Graeve
ACS Applied Optical Materials 2 (2024) 585-594
Partnerships & Collaborations
UC San Diego (USA)
The Ohio State University (USA)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain)
University of Twente (The Netherlands)
University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Germany)
University of Sorbonne (France)
Training & Students
We provide a vibrant and supportive research environment where undergraduate and graduate students receive personalized supervision and professional mentorship. Our training emphasizes hands-on experience with advanced experimental techniques, critical scientific thinking, and collaboration across disciplines, preparing students to excel in academic, research, and industry careers.
Events & Seminars
Our weekly seminars feature experts from across Mexico and the world. Come and discover the latest advances
Contact us
Contact us
We welcome inquiries about our research programs, academic collaborations, and student opportunities. Feel free to reach out to us — we are always happy to connect with fellow scientists, students, and visitors.
Dr. Manuel Herrera-Zaldivar
Head of the Department of Physics
📧 zaldivar@ens.cnyn.unam.mx
Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología — UNAM
Ensenada, Baja California, México
Page updated
Report abuse