Dr. Richard Stephens

Biography

Richard B. Stephens is a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. He specializes in solid state physics and has over forty years of experience in the field. His research focuses on the existence of low-energy excitations in disordered solids, addressing longstanding problems in the understanding of the dynamical properties of these materials. He is particularly interested in the theoretical and experimental advances that provide insights into the behavior of disordered systems, including floppy polymers and rigid silica. Stephens has been involved in developing techniques to prepare disordered films with varying quench rates, enabling the exploration of thermally induced disorder. His theoretical work utilizes computer simulations to investigate the existence of zero-energy states linked to density variations. He has also initiated an experimental program focused on a-Se, studying its helical chain structures and how they relate to glass transition processes. Stephens has published selected works and served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals.

Research Interests

Experience