David Geohegan

David B Geohegan

Group Leader, Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences

David Geohegan is currently Leader of the Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials Group at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

He obtained his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986 on laser spectroscopy of atoms and molecules related to excimer laser kinetics.

At ORNL, he has concentrated on understanding and controlling the synthesis of thin films and nanostructured materials through the development of time resolved laser spectroscopy and imaging diagnostic techniques. His research has more recently focused on carbon nanotube and nanohorn synthesis, purification, and processing into multifunctional materials. Basic science projects include studies of the fundamental growth mechanisms for nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes and nanohorns, nanoparticles, and nanowires as well as explorations of their functionality.

His research utilizes lasers for synthesis, characterization, and processing of nanoscale materials which exhibit new nanoscale properties for use in hydrogen storage, solid state lighting, and other energy-related applications.

Professional and Synergistic Activities

  • 2006–2022 Co-Chair, SPIE Photonics West Conference “Synthesis and Photonics of Nanoscale Materials”
  • 2009–p Committee, Guadalupe Workshop, “Nucleation and Growth Mechanisms of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes”
  • 2010; 2008 Co-Chair, Spring MRS Symposium, “Carbon Nanotubes and Related Nanomaterials”
  • 2009 Co-Chair, DOE-BES Synthesis and Processing Science Contractor's Meeting
  • 2007 Co-Chair, COLA 2007 9th International Conference on Laser Ablation
  • 1997–1999 Editorial Board Applied Physics Letters, Journal of Applied Physics; Reviewer for various journals including Nano Letters, ACS Nano, Small, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Applied Physics Letters, Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics A, Applied Physics B, Carbon, Journal of Nanophotonics. Member American Physical Society, Materials Research Society

2011 Fellow, American Physical Society

2009 Distinguished Service Award, International Conference on Laser Ablation

1999 Lockheed Martin Technical Achievement Award for Sustained Research

1998; 1990 Lockheed Martin & Martin Marietta Technical Achievement Award

1983 Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award, Teaching, Physics Dept., UIUC

Selected Patents / Invention Disclosures (7 U.S. Patents issued, 15 Patent Applications Filed)
“Transparent Conductive Nanorod Composites,” D. B. Geohegan, I. N. Ivanov, A. A. Puretzky, S. Jesse, and B. Hu, U.S. Patent No. 7,923,922 B2, Issued: Apr. 12, 2011.

“Condensed Phase Conversion and Growth of Nanorods and Other Materials Instead of From Vapor,” D. B. Geohegan, R. D. Seals, A. A. Puretzky, and X. Fan, U.S. Patent No. 7,815,973 B2, Issued: Oct. 19, 2010.

“Fabrication of High Thermal Conductivity Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes and Their Composites,” D. B. Geohegan, I. N. Ivanov, and A. A. Puretzky, U.S. Patent No. 7,763,353, Issued: Jul. 27, 2010.

“SEM Technique for Imaging and Measuring Electronic Transport in Nanocomposites Based on Electric Field Induced Contrast,” S. Jesse, D. B. Geohegan, and M. A. Guillorn, U.S. Patent No. 7,491,934, Issued: Feb. 17, 2009.