Advancing Materials Science Through Atomic-Scale Discoveries

Name: Robert F Klie

Title: Head and Professor​

Department: Physics

How did you become interested in the field of physics?

My interest in physics began in high school, much like many other science-curious students. I was particularly fascinated by astronomy and became an active participant in my school’s Astronomy Club. In the club, we regularly met to observe the night sky, track the trajectories of planets, comets, and asteroids, and even visit a local radio telescope in the mountains near my hometown.

After high school, I pursued a degree in physics at the University of Bonn in Germany, largely due to the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy at the University of Bonn, and its active astronomy program.

You recently lead faculty the LAS Faculty Research Symposium: From Atoms to Astronomy. What inspired this theme for the event?

The theme for the symposium was inspired by the broad range of research areas covered in our Physics Department at UIC, which spans from Condensed Matter Physics—the study of the atomic structure of matter—to Chemical Physics, Biophysics, High-Energy Nuclear and Particle Physics, all the way up to cosmology and, to a very limited extend, also astrophysics.

However, this theme also reflects my own scientific journey in reverse. Like many incoming physics students, I was initially drawn to astronomy and astrophysics. My curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in physics at the University of Bonn. Over the next 30 years, my focus gradually shifted from astronomical to atomic scales. Today, my research group studies the role of atoms in the properties and functionality of materials using atomic-resolution electron microscopy.

What do you hope attendees took away from the symposium?

The symposium featured speakers from universities and national labs across the U.S., as well as highlight talks from UIC Physics faculty—recognized experts in their respective fields. I hope attendees gained an appreciation for the vast scope of physics research at UIC and its real-world applications, from controlling individual atoms for quantum computing to developing materials for a carbon-free energy future, regenerative materials, advanced particle detectors, and the search for new elementary particles and dark matter.

In every area covered during the symposium, significant progress has been made in recent years, largely driven by innovations in materials that have enabled advancements in computing, detectors, and particle accelerators. UIC Physics faculty have played an integral role in many of these breakthroughs, and the symposium highlighted these contributions.

Additionally, I hope students who attended were inspired to pursue physics at UIC, collaborate with our research groups and faculty, and engage with our distinguished keynote and plenary speakers.

Describe some of your ongoing research as a faculty member at UIC. Do you have any exciting initiatives on the horizon?

I am particularly excited about several ongoing projects and new initiatives. Over the past few years, my group has developed novel methods to study materials under previously inaccessible conditions in an electron microscope. These new approaches allow us to visualize the transformations of materials used in many renewable energy materials, such as solar cells, rechargeable batteries, and water-splitting catalysts. For example, we can now directly observe how lithium ions move within a battery electrode during charging and discharging. This is not only fascinating to observe, but it will also lead to the development of more stable and highly efficient, rechargeable batteries in the future.

We are also anticipating the installation of a new electron microscope at UIC this summer. This cutting-edge instrument will enable us to study materials used in quantum computing under conditions that were previously impossible to achieve. We aim to measure the magnetic and electronic properties of quantum materials at the atomic scale and at low temperatures, paving the way for the discoveries of new materials, and new physics, in this exciting field.

Has anything surprised you in your research?

We have encountered many surprises over the years. For instance, we discovered superconductivity in a class of materials that had been known for years but was never considered to be superconducting.

What continues to amaze me every day is our ability to directly visualize atoms and observe their behavior under different conditions and external stimuli. I am especially surprised that we can achieve such high-resolution imaging right here at UIC. Traditionally, electron microscopes of this caliber are housed in remote locations, far from urban centers, to minimize interference from traffic and electromagnetic noise. Yet, we operate one of the highest-resolution electron microscopes in the country in the heart of downtown Chicago—at the intersection of two expressways and within blocks of the Blue Line. This should not be possible, yet it is, and we still do not fully understand why.

What do you hope students will gain from learning about the field of physics? How do you prepare students for their future careers as physicists?

Through our courses and research programs, we aim to teach students how to think critically and solve problems effectively. In the era of artificial intelligence, supercomputers, and the internet, memorizing equations or fundamental constants is no longer the primary focus. Instead, we emphasize problem-solving—teaching students how to frame questions properly, explore different approaches, and ultimately find viable paths toward a solution.

The ability to think flexibly, approach challenges from multiple perspectives, and persist in the face of setbacks are key traits we instill in our physics students. These skills prepare them for diverse career opportunities, whether in academia, industry, or beyond.

Do you have any advice for new students who are interested in pursuing physics?

Join the Department of Physics at UIC as a student!

This is an exciting time to become a physicist, with nearly endless possibilities after graduation. Here are just a few:

1. Semiconductor Industry: The CHIPS and Science Act has spurred massive investments in the U.S. semiconductor industry, creating numerous opportunities in both manufacturing and R&D. At UIC, you will acquire the skills needed to become a valuable member of this quickly evolving field.
2. Quantum Information Science & Computing: The quantum revolution is just beginning, and careers in this sector require a strong foundation in physics and quantum mechanics. Chicago is poised to become a major hub for quantum computing research and manufacturing. At UIC, you will not only learn the basics of quantum mechanics and computing, but also gain hands-on experience in quantum materials research.
3. Next-Generation Particle Physics: The U.S. is preparing to design and build the next generation of particle accelerators and fundamental particle detectors, such as those at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Fermilab. UIC Physics faculty are closely involved in these efforts, and a physics degree from UIC will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in fundamental physics.

The field of physics is full of opportunities, and I encourage any student with curiosity and passion for discovery to explore it further at UIC Physics.