UROP Project
Development of High Field Magnetic Resonance of Optically Excited States
Magnetic Resonance, Laser, Spectroscopy
Research Mentor: Dr. Johan van Tol, He/Him/His
Department, College, Affiliation: National High Magnetic Field Lab, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jvantol@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: National High Magnetic Field Lab, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jvantol@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering
Project Location: Southwest Campus (Innovation Park), 1800 E Paul Dirac Dr
Research Assistant Transportation Required: The Innovation Route provides a (free) bus connection from Campus to Innovation Park Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: ~6 hrs, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering
Project Location: Southwest Campus (Innovation Park), 1800 E Paul Dirac Dr
Research Assistant Transportation Required: The Innovation Route provides a (free) bus connection from Campus to Innovation Park Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: ~6 hrs, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/95500473616 - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 5:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92306251041
Project Description
The goal of the project is to create a facility for Pulsed Electron Magnetic Resonance of Laser-Excited States at High Magnetic Fields. That might not mean much for non-experts, so what we do in practice is to look at the magnetic and electronic properties of a molecule or a material immediately after it has been hit by an intense short laser pulse. Many molecules and materials are non-magnetic in their normal ground state. However, when excited by light, they can exist for a short time in a magnetic state, or you can create a correlated pair of an electron and a 'hole', which both have a spin. This process forms the basis of many photo-chemical processes and solar energy applications. An example is photo synthesis of green plants and several types of bacteria. Without it, we would not have oxygen to breathe, and food to eat. We would not exist. So while this is a basic research project, it has possible applications in solar energy, photo-chemistry, and possibly also carbon sequestration and quantum sensing.Research Tasks: The research will consist of 2 parts, possibly spread over the 2 semesters.
1. Improving the reliability and signal-to-noise of the setup.
2. Making measurements and collecting data.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required is to be serious in safety standards. This research deals with class 4 lasers, high magnetic fields, and cryogens, which all have associated risks. When following the appropriate procedures any risk are mitigated, but following the appropriate procedures is absolutely required.
Other needed skills:
Good note taking, good communication
A recommended skill is technical drawing skills (Inventor or something similar)
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy centers on empowering undergraduate students to become confident, curious, and capable contributors to their fields and communities. I strive to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance, asking questions, and expressing uncertainty.As a mentor, I have my research goals and would like my mentee to advance these, but more important are the goals of the student.
My mentoring approach is tailored to each individual student’s goals, strengths, and areas for development—whether academic, professional, or personal.
I help students build core competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and ethical reasoning through research, coursework, and extracurricular engagement. To help grow the student's research skills, I provide hands-on training, encourage independent inquiry, and promote dissemination through presentations and publications.
I foster a mentoring culture that values curiosity, accountability, and reflection. I regularly check in with students, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate their achievements. I also encourage peer mentoring and community-building among students.
Additional Information
Some more links if you want to know more about electron (para)magnetic resonance and applications:Video from instrument vendor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-x1KG0WbOg
Tutorials EPR from Manchester (UK) https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/epr/resources/tutorials/
EPR of excited states in porphyrins https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c03278
EPR of excited states in smiconductors https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00723-024-01695-3
Wikipedia Page on Singlet Fission (a possible application) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singlet_fission