1. New magneto-optical fingerprints in graphene John Cerne, SUNY at Buffalo, DMR 1006078 We developed powerful new measurement and analysis techniques to study multi-layer graphene. Our work reveals over 18 resonances up to magnetic fields B of 5 T, allowing us to identify more than four distinct types of graphene layer structures in a single sample; tests three theories on the magneto-optical structure of graphene multilayers; and provides new insights into the electronic, magnetic and optical properties of graphene. We also find large polarization changes in the reflected light, which can be controlled externally and could have important applications for fast optical communications. These fingerprint techniques will impact research in a wide range of materials where heterogeneity masks the underlying electronic structures. In fall 2013 we published “Magneto-optical fingerprints of distinct graphene multilayers using giant infrared Kerr effect” in Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing). An article appeared both in print (February 2014 issue) and online (http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?PID=5&VID=116&IID=741 &Tag=Tech+Pulse&AID=55376 ) in the trade magazine “Photonics Spectra” highlighting this work. My PhD student, Chase Ellis, was awarded a prestigious National Research Postdoctoral award in 2013. His proposal for the award was primarily based on our graphene work. We also filed a patent disclosure “Infrared to GHz Tunable Optical Modulator” based on this work in 2013. (a) a) Identification of many magneto- optical features produced by several types of graphene in the same multilayer sample (from Ellis et al, Scientific Reports, 2013). b) A figure from an article published in a trade magazine “Photonics Spectra” highlighting our graphene work in 2014. (b)

2. In spring 2014 I became involved in a project with two undergraduate students, Michael Zoubi and Edward Bryant, at Buffalo State College. They were primarily supervised at Buffalo State by professors D. McIsaac and S. Vermette, but needed optics and data- logging/analysis advice as well as further technical support to launch a weather balloon into space. We came up with several optics experiments for them to try, including measuring the radius of the earth. I gave them lessons on machining and fabricated custom-machined rings for a gimbal mount for their GPS tracker. I also helped in preparing the payload and balloon for launch at UB on May 7, 2014). The balloon reached 98972 feet and the payload was successfully recovered three hours after launch. Edward is preparing an online report to fully document this project. I will be helping with the data analysis and presentation. High altitude optics experiment with undergrads John Cerne, SUNY at Buffalo, DMR 1006078 Taking the balloon out of the UB Physics Dept. loading dock, where the it was filled with helium gas and the payload prepared. Left to right, PI with Buffalo State’s Prof D. McIsaac and students E. Bryant and M. Zoubi. Group photo right before launch. Video still taken from the balloon at 98970 feet.