Dr. Martin Claassen

Biography

Martin Claassen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the theory of non-equilibrium dynamics and correlated phases in quantum materials, with an emphasis on the emergent properties that arise from the collective behavior of electrons. He investigates the frontier possibilities enabled by rapid advances in time-resolved experiments, particularly the use of strong optical pulses to drive materials into non-equilibrium states exhibiting novel and useful properties. Claassen's work addresses new and interesting problems such as the dynamics of interacting quantum systems far from equilibrium, which exhibit properties that cannot be realized in conventional solid-state systems. His research aims to understand how the interplay of materials properties, light, electronic interactions, and topology can lead to new states of matter in non-equilibrium conditions. Recent topics of interest include many-body Floquet states, topological phases, thermalization and dissipation, ultrafast dynamics, and correlated phenomena in two-dimensional Moiré heterostructures and van der Waals materials.

Research Interests

Experience