Dieter Hochheimer

Professor and Department Chair
Dipl. Phys., Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, 1970; Ph.D., Universität Regensburg, 1974; Dr. rer. nat. habil., Universität Regensburg, 1980.

Materials at Extreme Conditions

The main research objectives of the high pressure group at the Physics Department of Colorado State University are the study of the structure-physical properties relation of novel low dimensional materials. The intention is to understand the physical properties of low dimensional materials at a level which will allow the tailoring of materials for applications. We apply high pressure to change the electronic properties and dimensionality of our materials by using diamond anvil cells and large volume pressure cells. In addition, we have developed a device for the simultaneous application of hydrostatic pressure and uniaxial stress, which allows for the first time measurements at constant strain and is unique in the world. We have applied this device successfully to study quantum well laser diodes (see references below). The newest design allows now also measurements in the temperature range of 300-40 K. Our experimental techniques include optical measurements (Raman and Brillouin scattering, absorption), X-ray diffraction, and transport measurements.

Selected Publications

• F. Widulle, J. Th. Held, M. Huber, G. Strehl, H. D. Hochheimer, R. Kotitschke, A. Adams, "A device for the simultaneous application of uniaxial stress and hydrostatic pressure: Application to semiconductor lasers," Rev. Sci. Instr. 68, 3992 (1997).

• H. D. Hochheimer, F. Widulle, J. Th. Held, G. Strehl, R. Kotitschke, A. R. Adams, "Study of semicondutor lasers under simultaneous uniaxial stress and hydrostatic pressure," High Pressure Research 18, 41 (2000).