Faculty in Biophysics

Steven Chu
Theodore and Frances Geballe Professor of Humanities and Sciences
Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics

Atomic physics, laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics. Laser cooling and trapping of atoms, atom interferometry, manipulation of biological molecules, spectroscopy of positronium and muonium.

Sebastian Doniach
Professor of Applied Physics and of Physics

Theory of cooperative phenomena in condensed matter systems and of structure-function relationships in biological molecules. Applications of synchrotron radiation to structural molecular biology.

Daniel S. Fisher
Professor of Applied Physics

Theory of collective and dynamical phenomena in condensed matter physics and biology. Recent research includes glass transitions, disordered materials, and quantum dissipation in superconductors. And in biology, evolutionary dynamics, especially in collaboration with laboratory experiments on microbes, and dynamical processes in cells.

Hideo Mabuchi
Professor of Applied Physics

Our group works in physical measurement and control, with current emphasis on the development and application of practical methodologies for the study of hypersensitive quantum systems and context-sensitive biophysical phenomena. The most distinctive aspects of our scientific research emerge from a synthesis of theoretical physics, systems engineering and advanced experimental technique.

Mark J. Schnitzer
Assistant Professor of Applied Physics and of Biological Sciences

Research in our lab focuses on the innovation and application of micro-optical and nonlinear optical imaging techniques for studying biophysical dynamics of neurons in live mammals. Recently we developed laser-scanning fluorescence micro-endoscopes, which we have used to obtain unprecedented micron-scale views of neurons in brain areas that were previously inaccessible in live animals. We are now extending our imaging approaches towards monitoring neuronal activity, in conjunction with electrophysiological methods. The aim is to connect biophysical variables, such as neuronal ion concentrations and membrane voltages, with simple sensory stimuli that may be delivered to a living animal. We are also constructing endoscopes for monitoring brain activity in freely moving animals. Such approaches are allowing us to study brain dynamics that may underlie aspects of mammalian behavior.

Lambertus Hesselink
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics by Courtesy
Professor of Applied Physics by Courtesy

Professor Hesselink's research encompasses fundamental research on optics, photonics and optical materials guided by significant applications.   We are focusing on ultra-high performance nano-photonics devices based on a new class of nano-apertures that provide more than 1,000,000 times the optical power throughput of conventional round or square apertures. These apertures form the basis of new applications in many areas of nano-photonics,  including, but not limited to, optical data storage, biophysics, and spectroscopy. In addition we are continuing to further develop digital holographic storage, which we pioneered in 1994.  Currently holographic storage is one of two premier candidates for the next generation of DVD devices.  We also carry out materials research needed to advance the performance of these devices, or to increase our understanding of biological media using a holistic system approach. Currently we are studying the interaction between ultra-fast laser beams and biological tissue.  All device and system research is supported by an extensive effort on exact modeliing of underlying fundamental physical principles.

Stephen Quake
Professor of Bioengineering
Professor of Applied Physics by Courtesy
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Quake's interests lie at the nexus of physics, biology and biotechnology. Over the past half decade, he has focused on understanding the basic physics and biological applications of microfluidic technology. His group pioneered the development of Microfluidic Large Scale Integration (LSI), demonstrating the first integrated microfluidic devices with thousands of mechanical valves. This technology is helping to pave the way for large scale automation of biology at the nanoliter scale, and he and his students have been exploring applications of "lab on a chip" technology in functional genomics, genetic analysis, and protein design. Throughout his career, Quake has also been active in the field of single molecule biophysics; he has focused on precision measurements on single molecules, and in 2003 his group demonstrated the first successful single molecule DNA sequencing experiments.

Thomas M. Baer
Consulting Professor of Applied Physics

Gordon S. Kino
W.M. Keck Foundation Emeritus Professor of Electrical Engineering
Emeritus Professor of Applied Physics by Courtesy

Nondestructive testing, optical, acoustic, and photo acoustic microscopy; fiber optics; fiber-optic modulators, and fiber optic sensors.

Calvin F. Quate
Leland T. Edwards Emeritus Professor (Research) of Engineering
Emeritus Professor (Research) of Electrical Engineering
Emeritus Professor (Research) of Applied Physics

The dominant theme of our research over the past decade has been the development and application of Scanning Probes Microscopes. We use MEMS technology and micromachining to fabricate various form of cantilevers with integrated sensors and actuators. These instruments are capable of resolving atomic structure when operating in a vacuum, but primarily they are used in ambient atmosphere to image nanoscale structures. In our current program we are using these instruments to fabricate nanoscale devices. In a parallel theme we are employing these tools to study properties of biological molecules.