Resources

Computational Laboratory 

We have dedicated BlueHive nodes at the Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC) and conduct numerical simulations to investigate planetary formation and evolution. In particular, Nakajima's group has conducted planetary impact simulations using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code, which has been developed by the group, and iSALE, which is a widely used code to simulate crater forming impact events. Additionally, we conduct hydrodynamic simulations with the code called Athena, which is also widely used in astrodynamics community.

Quillen's group conducts astro-Viscoelastic dynamics simulations for studying soft astronomy, spin and tidal evolution. The group also owns Impacts Lab where we study impacts of spinning projectiles into granular media with high speed video.

Paleomagnetic Laboratory

The University of Rochester’s Paleomagnetic Laboratory hosts several magnetometers including a unique ultrahigh sensitivity SQUID magnetometer, which offers unparalleled 3-component resolution of the weakest moments, as well as two CO2 laser systems for demagnetization.

The magnetometers and lasers are housed in a magnetic shielded room (field <200 nT). In addition, equipment is available for measurements of magnetic hysteresis, magnetic susceptibility (low and high temperature), AF demagnetization, application of high and low applied laboratory fields, and the optical characterization of samples. Much of this work centers of methods of single crystal paleointensity developed at the University.

Experimental Geochemistry Laboratory

The EES experimental geochemistry laboratory contains three end-loaded piston cylinder devices capable of respective pressures and temperatures of 4 GPa and 2000 oC, a one atmosphere furnace with gas-mixing capabilities, and typical laboratory facilities needed for experiment assembly and sample preparation. 

The laboratory also contains a Cetac 193 nm excimer laser with HelEx sample cell attached to an Agilent 7900 quadrupole mass spectrometer, and a Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS capabilities. 

Laboratory for Laser Energetics

The University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) uses the world’s second most powerful laser giant Omega Laser to recreate states extreme states matter similar to those present at the deep interior of astrophysical bodies.