De Silva Theory Group

Quantum Matter and Correlated Many-Body Theory:

Our research group is seeking to gain an understanding of the physics on the scale of single atoms/electrons, where classical mechanics fails. In particular, we are wondering how do complex phenomena emerge from simple ingredients? Why do some interesting physical phenomena emerge as a collective aspect of the matter, but not as a properties of individual constituent particles? We seek to understand the connection between microscopic and macroscopic phenomena of many body systems. In particular, we study the electronic matter related to the real materials such as transition metal oxides and rare earth oxides, and ultra-cold atomic systems as test beds for strongly correlated and collective phenomena.

Emergent Properties of biological systems:

We are applying physics principles, specially statistical mechanical techniques to understand  the biological processes.

Physics Education Research:

We are investigating ways that instructors can enhance student learning process and understanding, by employing interactive engagement strategies  in the classroom.