Research
Most of my studies are focused on the use of polarized light to investigate structures on the nanometer scale. Often by using spectroscopic ellipsometry combined with other characterization methods such as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The structures can be thin films, multilayers, superlattices, photonic crystals, sculpted films, and / or metamaterials. In most cases, they are artificially produced, but we have also done several studies of layered structures in beetle shells. It can also be added that I get extra excited if the structures are aperiodic or chiral.
I am head of the Materials Optics unit. Our research is fundamental, yet with a focus on finding and describing new optical phenomena that can be utilized in the future.
Teaching
I see teaching as an important part of my work and have therefore been involved in a variety of courses over the years. Nowadays, I am teaching courses related to Electromagnetics and Optics. I am also interested in pedagogy and have been involved in several educational projects. I also work with the institution's undergraduate educational administration.
What I am doing now
As deputy head of department, I am doing a fair share of administrative work trying to make life easy for the employees at our department.
Research wise I am studying the polarization properties of helicoidal structures built of III-nitrides and at the same time trying to expand our knowledge of chiral beetle epicuticle. I am in the program committee for The 8th International Conference on Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (ICSE-8) taking place in Barcelona in May.
I am also preparing for my spring course in Optics and will invoke a new pedagogic approach I believe will make the topic (even more) exciting.
