Nicholas Bingham

Nicholas Bingham serves as Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maine with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Frontiers Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST). His research focuses on nanoscale materials and phase transitions in thin films for sensor applications.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physics from University of South Florida (2013)
• M.S. in Physics from Colorado State University (2008)
• B.S. in Physics from Colorado Mesa University (2005)

Professor Bingham's research spans nanoscale materials, surface physics of thin films, and structural/magnetic/electronic phase transitions. His group investigates quantum materials using synchrotron radiation techniques, with current projects examining collective magnetic phenomena in nanomagnets, strain-modulated metal-insulator transitions, and interfacial phases. His work bridges fundamental condensed matter physics with sensor development.

Publications from 2017-2022 reveal consistent focus on magnetic nanostructures and phase transitions in oxide thin films. Key themes include artificial spin ice systems, vortex dynamics in bulk magnets, VO₂ metal-insulator transitions, and strain-engineered magnetism in heterostructures, demonstrating strong integration of experimental condensed matter physics with sensing applications.

His scientific recognition includes:

• NRC Fellowship at Naval Research Laboratory
• ETH-Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship

Professor Bingham leads a research group conducting experiments on thin film materials for sensing applications. His team utilizes synchrotron radiation facilities and advanced magnetic imaging techniques, supported by fellowship funding and institutional resources to investigate nanomagnetism and phase transition dynamics.

He operates within the Frontiers Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies (FIRST) in the Engineering Science Research Building, where his laboratory focuses on quantum materials characterization and sensor development through collaborative projects with national laboratories.