Riley Crane

UCLA Department of Physics

Office: B-158 Knudsen
Phone: (310) 206-8151
email

rcrane(at)physics.ucla.edu

 Educational Background:
  • Ph.D., Physics, U.C.L.A. June 2006
  • M.S., Physics, U.C.L.A. 2001
  • B.S., Physics, University of Texas - Austin, 1995-2000
  • S.E.L.F. Diploma, Université de Lyon III, France, 1999
Dissertation:
"Probing the Bose solid: A finite frequency study of the magnetic field-tuned superconductor-insulator transition in two-dimensions"
Research Interest:
The focus of my current research is on understanding the dynamics which occur near a Quantum Critical Point. In general I am interested in studying complex networks, systems near criticality, and pretty much anything involving fluctuations.
  • Quantum Phase Transitions
    A quantum phase transition (QPT) is a phase transition between different quantum phases (phases of matter at zero temperature). Contrary to classical phase transitions, quantum phase transitions can be only be accessed by varying a physical parameter - such as magnetic field or pressure - at absolute zero temperature. The transition describes an abrupt change in the ground state of a many-body system due to its quantum fluctuations (wikipedia)

  • Fluctuation Superconductivity.
    There is a renewed interest in fluctuation superconductivity because of its possible importance to understanding high-Tc superconductors. Since these systems are essentially two-dimensional (the Copper-Oxide planes), fluctuation effects are greatly enhanced. As you begin to cool a material close to its critical temperature, evanescent Cooper-pairs pop into existence for a very short time before decaying back into two electrons. This temporary pairing contributes to the overall conductivity of the system being measured, which can shed light on the dynamics.

  • Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem applied to social and economic networks.
    There is a general relationship between the response of a system to an external disturbance and the random internal fluctuations of the system in the absence of a perturbation. This relationship is captured by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and can surprisingly be applied to complex social and economic networks in the hope of understanding how rumors, information, and marketing can percolate through these systems causing large responses.
Selected Recent Publications
  • click here for a list of selected recent publications