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Divine P Kumah

Charles H. Townes Associate Professor of Physics
Physics
Box 90305, Durham, NC 27708
120 Science Dr., Physics Bldg. Room 077, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Divine Kumah received his B.S in Physics from Southern University, Baton Rouge, and a Ph.D in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan in 2009. His postdoctoral research work was performed at the Center for Research in Interface and Surface Phenomena at Yale University. His research interests are in experimental condensed matter physics and are aimed at understanding the novel electronic and magnetic properties which emerge at the interfaces between crystalline materials.
The Kumah Research Lab uses state of the art atomic layer-by-layer deposition techniques including molecular beam epitaxy to fabricate thin crystalline oxide films. The group is focused on understanding how atomic-scale structural distortions at interfaces can be manipulated to induce novel electronic and magnetic phenomena and the development of pathways for harnessing these unique functionalities for electronic and energy applications. Tools used by the group include atomic force microscopy, electron diffraction and synchrotron-based x-ray spectroscopy and diffraction.  

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Charles H. Townes Associate Professor of Physics · 2025 - Present Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor of Physics · 2023 - Present Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

In the News


Published September 7, 2023
Divine Kumah Explores Atoms to Learn What Makes Them Tick

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Recent Publications


Superconducting properties of commercially available solders for low-field applications

Journal Article Cryogenics · January 1, 2026 Solders with superconducting transitions around 4K are useful in low magnetic field environments for AC current leads or in electrical and mechanical bonds. Accurate knowledge of these solders’ superconducting properties is essential for improving high pre ... Full text Cite

Superconductivity in spin-orbit coupled BaBi3 formed by in situ reduction of bismuthate films

Journal Article Physical Review Materials · December 1, 2025 Oxygen scavenging at oxide heterointerfaces has emerged as a powerful route for stabilizing metastable phases that exhibit interesting phenomena, including high-mobility, two-dimensional electron gases and high-Tc superconductivity. We investigate structur ... Full text Cite

Electrostatic Control of Quantum Phases in KTaO<sub>3</sub>-Based Planar Constrictions.

Journal Article Nano letters · November 2025 Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) formed at complex oxide interfaces offer a unique platform to engineer quantum nanostructures. However, the scalable fabrication of devices in these materials remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate an efficient fab ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Collaborative Research: DMREF: Accelerated Design, Discovery, and Deployment of Electronic Phase Transitions (ADEPT)

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2027

Collaborative: Novel Mechanical Functionality In Nano-Architectured Ferroelectrics Via Rational Design Of Free Energy Landscapes

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Texas at Arlington · 2024 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Michigan, Ann Arbor · 2009 Ph.D.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor · 2007 M.S.E.E.