Welcome to the McKittrick Group Webpage

The McKittrick Group at UCSD in the past has focused its research on the use of ceramic materials as phosphors for display and sensor applications.  Most currently the group is working on the synthesis of novel materials used for white solid state lighting.

In the past, our group used a novel synthesis technique called combustion synthesis to produce luminescent ceramic materials. This technique involves a highly exothermic reaction between metal nitrates and an organic fuel. Also in Lawrence Livermore Labs, research is being done on biocompatible materials.  Atomic force microscopes (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemicstry are the techniques being used to study the interation of titanium with simulated body fluid, such as solutions containing hydrogen peroxide.

The current focus of our group is on solid state lighting research, with concentration on the synthesis and characterization of materials used for white light-emitting diodes.  Concurrently, luminescent thin films are being produced by MOCVD at Osram-Sylvania Central Research (Beverly, MA) and characterized. The project is also lead by Prof. Jan Talbot.