James Kakalios

James Kakalios is a Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, where he also serves as Head of the School. His research focuses on disordered systems, spanning experimental investigations into electronic and optical properties of amorphous semiconductors, segregation phenomena in granular media, and fluctuation phenomena in neurological systems.

• University: University of Minnesota
• School: School of Physics and Astronomy
• Academic Rank: Professor

Research Interests
The primary goal of Professor Kakalios's research is to elucidate the properties of disordered systems. Key areas include:

• Electronic and optical properties of amorphous semiconductors (e.g., hydrogenated amorphous silicon with embedded nanocrystalline inclusions)
• Segregation dynamics in granular media
• Non-Gaussian fluctuations in neurological systems (collaboration with Prof. A. David Redish's lab)
• Thermoelectric materials and their conduction mechanisms

Recent Publications & Collaborations
His recent work includes studies on p-type doping of pyrite FeS2 for photovoltaic applications, hopping charge transport in Si-Ge alloys, and interdisciplinary investigations into conductance fluctuations in amorphous germanium. Collaborations extend to Prof. Uwe Kortshagen (Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. A. David Redish (Neuroscience).

Grants & Projects
He has secured multiple NSF and DOE grants, including projects on dual-plasma co-deposition of mixed-phase thin films and REU/RET initiatives. Current research activities (2023) include studies on nanocrystalline semiconductors and thermoelectric materials.