I am investigating momentum-dependent spin phenomena in strained III-V semiconductors at zero magnetic field. I have calculated the Dresselhaus coefficient and C_3, the coefficient linear in both the off-diagonal strain tensor elements and the electron momentum, via 14 band k•p theory with a Kane Hamiltonian using revised estimates of Δ‾ based on more recent measurements of the spin splitting of the p-like valence and second conduction band. I have also considered the form of the various effective magnetic fields (e.g. Dresselhaus and Rashba) in quantum wells of various orientations and derived expressions for the precession that results from arbitrary linear motion in these fields.

A third-generation Iowan and Hawkeye, Ben received his B.S. from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, in 2000. As an undergraduate he received the William Savage and James Van Allen awards for outstanding undergraduate students. He joined the Flatté research group in 2002 as a Master's candidate, and has since changed his focus to a PhD. He also enjoys medieval combat reenactment and playing with his minature schnauzer.