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
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 CiteSuperconductivity 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 CiteElectrostatic 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 CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: DMREF: Accelerated Design, Discovery, and Deployment of Electronic Phase Transitions (ADEPT)
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2027Collaborative: Novel Mechanical Functionality In Nano-Architectured Ferroelectrics Via Rational Design Of Free Energy Landscapes
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Texas at Arlington · 2024 - 2026View All Grants