Biography

Washington State University - Physics

Professor at Washington State University
Higher Education
Tom
Dickinson
Pullman, Washington
Research has been in the general areas of materials physics, materials chemistry, surface science, and physics education.

This research has focused on:

a) laser modification of surfaces, laser-ablation and laser induced desorption mechanisms in polymers and ceramics, single crystal inorganics;

b) understanding of tribochemistry in relation to nanoscale wear in solutions and using tribology to control and manipulate recrystallization from solutions; mechanisms of wear and nanometer surface modification.

c) use of photoemission to understand defect production at surfaces due to radiation, mechanical stimulation.

d) transient current measurements due to contact (tribo-currents) and fracto-emission (the emission of particles during fracture and tribological loading of materials) from crystalline materials, ceramics, polymers, and composites.

e) Exploring appropriate use of eLearning and online learning tools for higher education purposes. Also use of Mathematica for upper division physics courses.