Dr. Robert Warmbier

Deputy Head : Teaching and Learning APK
Name: Robert Warmbier
Location: C1 Lab 117 Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Physics Academic Staff  Staff Members

Contact Details:
Tel: 011 559 7551

Email: rwarmbier@uj.ac.za

About Dr. Robert Warmbier

PUBLICATIONS 

Google Scholar

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

I am mainly working on problems in Computational Solid State Physics, especially related to phonons and dielectric responses. Both are modelled using ab initio methods, which basically solve the electronic Schrödinger equation (to some level of approximation). Part of my research is to optimise the numerical methods we use in our daily calculations.

Properties related to dielectric responses are for example dielectric functions, electron energy loss spectra (EELS) and excitons. Some of our observables, like the EELS are useful tools for the characterisation of materials (which can be used also in conjunction with experiments), while exciton properties are more relevant for organic solar cell research.

Phonons are also interesting for structural characterisation of materials. From the phonon properties we can also derive infrared (IR) and Raman spectra, which again allow us to relate to experimental findings. For example matching a measured IR or Raman signal to a structural phase or defect.