Steve Patitsas

Steve Patitsas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in experimental surface physics and nanotechnology. His research integrates advanced microscopy techniques with fundamental investigations of material properties at atomic scales.

His educational background includes:

• B.Sc. in Physics from Laurentian University
• M.Sc. in Physics from the University of British Columbia
• Ph.D. in Physics from the University of British Columbia

Patitsas leads a research group focused on Ultra High Vacuum Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), investigating adsorbate-surface interactions and atomic-scale manipulation. His work spans semiconductor surface chemistry (particularly Si(111)7x7), quantum effects in nanostructures, and low-acceleration dynamics testing. He employs soft X-ray spectroscopy for electronic structure analysis and has recently explored Newtonian dynamics at 1e-10 m/s² using AFM cantilevers, demonstrating methodological versatility across condensed matter subfields.

His publication record (1990-2011) reveals consistent expertise in surface characterization, with dominant themes in chlorine-silicon interactions, organic molecule binding, and quantum confinement phenomena. The evolution from fundamental surface studies to molecular device applications highlights his contribution to bridging nanoscale physics with technological innovation, though activity appears concentrated in the pre-2012 period.

Patitsas maintains specialized laboratory infrastructure for UHV-STM experiments and surface modification studies. His research program integrates experimental precision with theoretical frameworks to address open questions in nanoscale material behavior and quantum effects.