Dr. Jay Kikkawa

Professor

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Biography

Jay Kikkawa is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in hard condensed matter physics. His experimental research group focuses on advanced systems related to nanomaterials and strongly correlated bulk solids, with a particular interest in spin-orbit magnetism. Kikkawa's work aims to explore new methodologies for understanding materials through innovative static and transient optical spectroscopies. His research includes time-resolved studies of colossally magnetoresistive manganites, where he investigated spin and charge dynamics, discovering photonucleated transitory magnetic ordering using dynamical magneto-optical Kerr effect. He has developed optical magnetometry techniques for background-free measurements of diamagnetic anisotropy in carbon nanotubes and introduced phonon sideband spectroscopy for studying finite-momentum ‘dark’ excitons. Kikkawa's laboratory is also engaged in developing new ultrafast orbital magnetic spectroscopies and high-pressure techniques to explore a wide range of measurements, such as single-molecule photoluminescence, photoconductivity, and magnetoresistance.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Full-time faculty member specializing in condensed matter physics.

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Oversaw research and teaching in the physics department.

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Initiated research and developed courses in physics.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

— Present

University of California at Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA

Conducted postdoctoral research in physics.

Awards

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Christian R. Mary F. Lindback Award

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William McMillan Award

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NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award

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Alfred P. Sloan Fellow

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Research Innovation Award

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Parsons Foundation Fellow

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Department of Education Condensed Matter Fellow

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DuPont de Nemours Graduate Fellow

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Elected member

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

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