Brad Ramshaw named Experimental Physics Investigator

Cornell physicist Brad Ramshaw has been named a 2025 Experimental Physics Investigator- a prestigious national recognition awarded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to a select group of mid-career researchers pushing the boundaries of experimental physics. The award provides $1.3 million over five years to support bold, high-impact experiments that advance our fundamental understanding of the universe.

"This award gives me the freedom to pursue research directions that extend beyond the comfort zone of traditional funding agencies," said Ramshaw, associate professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Ramshaw will use his grant in his work developing new ultrasound-based techniques to measure the superconducting gaps of materials with low transition temperatures - below 10 kelvin. His approach includes the development of high-frequency ultrasound attenuation for bulk superconductors, and surface acoustic wave measurements for atomically thin, 2D systems such as graphene.

The grant will also enable Ramshaw to investigate questions about the superconductor Ute2, using the Quantum Materials and High Magnetic Field Beamlines at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), work he does as a member of the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics(LASSP).

While ultrasound has proven to be a powerful tool for studying superconductors for nearly 100 years, modern materials require much higher ultrasound frequencies - an area where Ramshaw's group has pioneered new methods for generation and detection. Their work also adapts surface acoustic wave technology to probe the tunable properties of 2D superconductors, with the potential to advance our ability to detect and measure topological superconductors.

"Brad's innovations are filling critical gaps in the ability to measure and understand exotic quantum phases of matter," said Julia Thom-Levy, professor and chair of physics (A&S). "This recognition of his research excellence helps affirm Cornell's leadership in quantum materials research."

Linda B. Glaser is news and media relations manager in the College of Arts and Sciences.