Stuart H Tessmer

## Research Focus
We develop and apply low-temperature scanning probe techniques to study the behavior of charges in nanoscale systems. Areas of interest include nanoelectronics, correlated electron systems, semiconductor defects and interfaces, superconductivity, quantum interference and confinement, and bio-electronics.

## An Example
One of our experimental methods is called Charge Imaging, diagram which is based on a charge sensor with a noise level of 0.01 electrons per root Hz. The method has proven to be capable of resolving the quantum structure of electrons trapped on donors at cryogenic temperatures. The schematic shows a recent experiment, published in Nature Physics, which detected individual electrons entering small clusters of Si atoms below the surface of a gallium arsenide semiconductor. Please click on my web page link to see more about this technique and others.

# Education:
* 1995: Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
* 1992: M.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
* 1989: B.S., University of Washington

## Personal Statement
I study the physics of electrons inside nano systems, such as single-atom defects and atomic scale structures. These tiny systems can be imbedded inside metals, semiconductors, and superconductors. To see what the charges do on nanometer length scales, my group develops and applies incredibly sensitive tools called scanning probe microscopes. To see these microscopes in action, and to learn more about the group and current projects, please follow this [Nano Probe Microscopy Group link](https://pa.msu.edu/people/tessmer/s-main.htm).

I have recently taught senior-level electronics, [Physics 440](http://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/2010fall/PHY440/). In this lecture+lab course we start with simple resistors and DC voltage sources and end with computer-designed programmable logic devices. In between we study AC circuits, filters, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers and a variety of digital circuits.