Dr. Bradford Orr

Biography

Professor Bradford Orr is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, particularly on systems properties influenced by surfaces and interfaces. As structures become increasingly miniaturized, the characteristics of these surfaces significantly affect their control and behavior. His work employs scanning probe microscopies, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), to study various phenomena, including molecules adsorbed on silicon and gold surfaces, the molecular origins of negative differential resistance in metal-insulator-metal devices, and the growth of compound semiconductors through molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Additionally, he works on developing multifunctional nanoparticles for cancer therapeutics and understanding the oxidation processes involved in creating stable insulating silicon oxide layers. His research is highly interdisciplinary, collaborating with experts from various fields within chemistry, materials science, and medicine, and addressing complex problems through a combination of their expertise.

Research Interests