Ian Appelbaum

Ian Appelbaum is an Associate Professor in the departments of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, particularly semiconductor device physics, spin-polarized electron transport, optoelectronics, and nonequilibrium transport phenomena. He is known for pioneering work in spintronics, including investigations into spin-polarized hot-electron injection and detection in hybrid metal-semiconductor devices.

Research interests include the exploration of novel electronic and spintronic behaviors in low-dimensional systems such as graphene, monochalcogenides, and tellurium nanowires. His experimental approaches involve advanced techniques like scanning tunneling microscopy, inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy, and ballistic electron emission microscopy.

Key contributions include studies of spin relaxation mechanisms in silicon and germanium, symmetry-driven electronic structures in 2D materials, and the development of spin-valve transistors. His work bridges fundamental physics with device applications, targeting advancements in quantum computing, optoelectronics, and energy-efficient spintronic devices.