Noel Clark

Noel Clark is a Professor of Distinction in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado. His research focuses on condensed matter physics, particularly liquid crystals and colloids, exploring phase transitions, electro-optic applications, and nanoscale fabrication. Clark received his PhD in Physics from MIT (1970) and held roles at Harvard before joining CU in 1977. His group pioneered ferroelectric liquid crystal light valves, now central to the Center for Optoelectronic Computing Systems. Recent work includes nanometer-scale structures using protein crystals and studies of helical nanofilaments. His research spans fundamental physics and applied technologies, with over 50 publications in top journals.

Education:

• PhD in Physics, MIT, 1970

Research Highlights:

• Discovery of the melting transition as bond condensation
• Development of ferroelectric liquid crystal technologies
• Nanotechnology projects using biomembrane liquid crystals

Key Themes in Articles (2020–2025):

• Phase behavior of ferroelectric nematics and smectics
• Microgravity studies of liquid crystal films
• Applications in optoelectronics and biological systems
• Self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructures

Labs/Teams: Involved with the Center for Optoelectronic Computing Systems at CU, focusing on optical computing and liquid crystal device development.