Hom Kandel, Ph. D.
- Associate Professor of Applied Physics
- Mathematics And Physics Department
- Post Doctoral, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, 2015 Ph.D., University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2010 MS, Western Illinois University, 2004
- PHONE: (262) 595-2171
- EMAIL: kandel@uwp.edu
- https://sites.google.com/view/apluwp
- LinkedIn Profile
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- 1. Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
- 2. Materials Science and Engineering
- 3. Applied superconductivity
Hom (Henry) Kandel is an Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and has served as Visiting Research Faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on controlling electron correlations and interfacial phenomena in complex oxide thin-film heterostructures to enable new functionalities in superconducting materials and devices. Working at the intersection of experimental condensed matter physics and materials science and engineering, and primarily with high-temperature cuprates, his group connects fundamental questions in correlated electron systems with the design of scalable superconducting and quantum device platforms.
Dr. Kandel’s current work focuses on engineering electron correlations and interfacial phenomena in cuprate thin-film heterostructures to realize superconducting device architectures, including Josephson junctions, terahertz (THz) emitters and detectors, and quantum-coherent circuits. His research integrates precision thin-film synthesis—particularly pulsed laser deposition—with spectroscopic and ultrafast probes, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and optical pump–terahertz techniques. These approaches provide quantitative insight into interaction energies, charge dynamics, and superconducting response, particularly in reduced-dimensional and interfacial systems where strain, disorder, and electronic reconstruction can be used to engineer emergent behavior.
A central focus of his work is the realization of superconducting device architectures based on Josephson junctions and oxide heterostructures. His group investigates high-frequency and nonlinear phenomena in the terahertz regime, including Josephson plasma resonances and anisotropic transport, advancing coherent THz sources and detectors, quantum-coherent circuits, and ultrasensitive superconducting sensors such as SQUID-based magnetometers for biomedical imaging.
Prior to joining UW–Parkside in 2016, Dr. Kandel was a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, where he led the development of electrical insulation materials for high-field superconducting magnet technology, contributing to the landmark world-record 32 tesla all-superconducting magnet built at the time.
Dr. Kandel has published more than 36 scholarly works, holds two U.S. patents, and has secured research funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and the UW System, contributing to more than $3 million in collaborative research support. He leads a collaborative research program that trains students across all levels in experimental condensed matter physics and materials science and engineering, emphasizing rigorous measurement, device-oriented thinking, and broad participation in STEM.
Dr. Kandel’s current work focuses on engineering electron correlations and interfacial phenomena in cuprate thin-film heterostructures to realize superconducting device architectures, including Josephson junctions, terahertz (THz) emitters and detectors, and quantum-coherent circuits. His research integrates precision thin-film synthesis—particularly pulsed laser deposition—with spectroscopic and ultrafast probes, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and optical pump–terahertz techniques. These approaches provide quantitative insight into interaction energies, charge dynamics, and superconducting response, particularly in reduced-dimensional and interfacial systems where strain, disorder, and electronic reconstruction can be used to engineer emergent behavior.
A central focus of his work is the realization of superconducting device architectures based on Josephson junctions and oxide heterostructures. His group investigates high-frequency and nonlinear phenomena in the terahertz regime, including Josephson plasma resonances and anisotropic transport, advancing coherent THz sources and detectors, quantum-coherent circuits, and ultrasensitive superconducting sensors such as SQUID-based magnetometers for biomedical imaging.
Prior to joining UW–Parkside in 2016, Dr. Kandel was a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, where he led the development of electrical insulation materials for high-field superconducting magnet technology, contributing to the landmark world-record 32 tesla all-superconducting magnet built at the time.
Dr. Kandel has published more than 36 scholarly works, holds two U.S. patents, and has secured research funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and the UW System, contributing to more than $3 million in collaborative research support. He leads a collaborative research program that trains students across all levels in experimental condensed matter physics and materials science and engineering, emphasizing rigorous measurement, device-oriented thinking, and broad participation in STEM.
Teaching, Research/Creative & Consulting Interests
Teaching Interests
Dr. Kandel teaches across the physics and materials science and engineering curriculum, from foundational to advanced courses, including classical, quantum, and statistical mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; mathematical methods of physics; and advanced experimental physics and engineering. His teaching emphasizes active, student-centered learning through inquiry-based instruction, problem-driven exploration, and hands-on laboratory experiences. He incorporates research-integrated pedagogy, collaborative learning, and quantitative reasoning to prepare students for graduate study, industry, and interdisciplinary careers in science and engineering.
Research Interests
Dr. Kandel’s research and creative activities focus on experimental condensed matter physics and materials science and engineering, with an emphasis on high-temperature superconducting thin films and complex oxide heterostructures. His work explores electron correlations, interfacial phenomena, and emergent behavior in cuprate systems, integrating advanced thin-film synthesis, spectroscopy, and ultrafast techniques. He develops superconducting device architectures based on Josephson junctions for terahertz (THz) technologies, quantum-coherent circuits, and ultrasensitive sensing applications, including SQUID-based magnetometers and superconducting detectors for biomedical imaging.
Consulting Interests
Dr. Kandel advises students on career development in physics, materials science, and engineering, with an emphasis on securing internships and employment in industry and national laboratories. He has a demonstrated track record of mentoring students into competitive positions and provides guidance on resume development, technical communication, and translating research experience into industry-relevant skills. He also engages with industry partners to build internship pathways and collaborative opportunities that connect academic training with workforce demands.
Publications
Selected Publications
2024: "Epitaxial growth and characterization of (110)-oriented YBCO/PBCGO bilayer and YBCO/PBCGO/YBCO trilayer heterostructures", Hom Kandel, Nathan Arndt, Zhongrui Li, Jungwoo Lee, Yuchuan Yao, Susmita Roy, Hillary Cunliffe-Owen, Dmitry Reznik, and Chang-Beom Eom, Journal of Applied Physics, Journal of Applied Physics (135301-1 to 135301-8 pp.)
2020: Investigation of Phonon Vibrational Modes in Ga, Al, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn Doped (110)-Oriented PBCO Thin Films, Volume 2020 |Article ID 5937494 | 8 pages | https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5937494, Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
2020: Ceramic Electrical Insulation Coating, United States Patent # US10658091, issued on May 19 2020,
2018: Effect of Fe doping on electronic transport and Raman scattering properties of (110) PrBa2Cu3O7 thin film”, Mater. Res. Express/IOP Publishing Ltd. (7 pp.)
2017: Electronic transport and Raman spectroscopic properties of Co doped (110) PrBa2Cu3O7 thin film, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 36(2), Nov. 2017 (Published online) (021502-1- 021502-4 pp.)
2016: Ceramic Insulation of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-x Round Wire for High-Field Magnet Applications , IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity (5 pp.)
2015: Development of TiO2-SiO2 coating on Ag-sheathed Bi-2212 conductor, H. Kandel, J. Lu, J. Jiang, M. Matras, P. Chen, N. Craig, U. Trociewitz, E. Hellstrom, and D. Larbalestier, Supercond. Sci. Technol. 28, 350110 (2015), Superconductor Sciench Technology 28, 350110 (2015) (8 pp.)
2008: Comparative Study on Different Carbon Nanotube Materials in Terms of Transparent Conductive Coatings, Langmuir (2655-2662 pp.)
Selected Awards & Honors
Research/Creative Awards
2022: Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Award (2021), UW-Parkside
https://www.uwp.edu/explore/news/fall-2022-convocation-awards.cfm, ,
2021: Layer-by-Layer Growth and Characterization Studies on (110)-oriented YBCO/PBCGO/YBCO Tri-layer Structure., Faculty and Student Summer Research Fellowship for Summer 2021 ($85,00), College of Natural and Health Sciences, UW-Parkside
2019: Lead PI: Nano-fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) based Superconductor (S)-Insulator (I)-Superconductor (S) Tunneling Sandwich-type Josephson Junction, Applied Research Grant (ARG)-$50,000.00, WiSys Technology and UW System
2018: Modine Science Research Fund ($6,000.00), Modine Manufacturing Co.
2017: Fabrication and studies on Fe and Co doped (110) PBCO thin films., Faculty Summer Research Award 2017 ($6,000.00),
2017: Title of Project: Synthesis and electronic transport studies on metals doped Pr-Ba-Cu-O electrical insulation material
Undergraduate Research Apprentice: Nathan Arndt, Julia Jones, Michael Connolly, URAP Awards (Fall 2017-Spring 2021), College of Natural and Health Sciences
Key Service Activities
Departmental Service
2023: Program Coordinator - Physics Senior Seminar
2022: Committee Member - Physics and Math Executive Committee
2022: Committee Member - Physics/Maths Curriculum Committee
2020: Committee Member - Physics Assistant Professor Search Committee, Committee Member March 1, 2017 - August 1, 2017
2018: Committee Member - Department Academic Department Associate (ADA) Hiring Committee
2017: Committee Member - New Physics Lecturer Search Committee
University Service
2025: Committee Chair - Academic Achievement Assessment Committee
2025: Committee Member - Academic Actions Committee
2024: Faculty Advisor - Parkside Journal of Science
2020: Committee Member - Committee on Advising
2020: Task Force Member - UW-Parkside Academic and Student Affairs COVID Contingency Planning Taskforce (Research Continuity)
Professional Service
2023: Editor, Journal Editor - Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
2017: Editor, Conference Proceedings - Magnet Technology-25 (IEEE-TAS)
2016: Chairperson - Young Professional Group, IEEE Council on Applied Superconductivity
Public Service
2019: Guest Speaker - GEMS (Girls Empowered by Math & Science) Workshop
2018: Guest Speaker - CNHS Open House for K-12
2018: Other - 2018 Kenosha Regional Engineering and Science Fair
2017: Guest Speaker - Adventures in Lifelong Learning (ALL)
Courses Taught
PHYS 106 - College Physics II
PHYS 107 - College Physics Lab I
PHYS 108 - College Physics Lab II
PHYS 201 - General Physics I
PHYS 202 - General Physics II
PHYS 203 - General Physics Lab I
PHYS 204 - General Physics Lab II
PHYS 306 - Adv Experiments in Physics
PHYS 403 - Thermodynamics
PHYS 495 - Senior Seminar
PHYS 497 - Senior Thesis
PHYS 499 - Independent Study:
PHYS 107 - College Physics Lab I
PHYS 108 - College Physics Lab II
PHYS 201 - General Physics I
PHYS 202 - General Physics II
PHYS 203 - General Physics Lab I
PHYS 204 - General Physics Lab II
PHYS 306 - Adv Experiments in Physics
PHYS 403 - Thermodynamics
PHYS 495 - Senior Seminar
PHYS 497 - Senior Thesis
PHYS 499 - Independent Study: