Stephen W. Teitsworth | Scholars@Duke

Stephen W. Teitsworth
Associate Professor of Physics

Prof. Stephen W. Teitsworth's research centers on experimental, computational, and theoretical studies of deterministic and stochastic nonlinear electronic transport in nanoscale systems. Three particular areas of current interest are: 1) stochastic nonlinear electronic transport phenomena in semiconductor superlattices and tunnel diode arrays; 2) complex bifurcations associated with the deterministic dynamics of electronic transport in negative differential resistance systems; and 3) strategies for stabilizing negative differential resistance systems against the formation of space-charge waves.

Current Research Interests

Current research centers on experimental, theoretical and computational investigation of rare fluctuation processes in noise-driven linear and nonlinear dynamical systems that are far from thermal equilibrium. Experimental platforms for studying these phenomena include bistable electronic transport systems such as semiconductor superlattices, tunnel diodes, as well as analog circuit networks. Theoretical work utilizes stochastic Lagrangian methods, while computational work focuses on the direct simulation of systems of linear and nonlinear stochastic differential equations.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor of Physics, Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 1995

Contact Information

089 Physics Bldg, Durham, NC 27708
Box 90305, Durham, NC 27708-0305
stephen.teitsworth@duke.edu (919) 660-2560

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Harvard University 1986
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Physics, Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2016 - 2019
- Associate Chair of Teaching in the Department of Physics, Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2009 - 2012
- Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering 2009 - 2012
- Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering 1992 - 1996
- Assistant Professor, Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 1988 - 1995
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Traditional Fulbright Scholarship. Council for International Exchange of Scholars. 1999
Expertise
Global Scholarship
- Research
  - Germany (Country)
  - Spain (Country)
Research
Selected Grants
- Switching Dynamics of Electric Field Domains in Semiconductor Superlattices awarded by National Science Foundation 2008 - 2012
- DHB: Niches and Networks: Studying the Coevolution of Voluntary Groups and Social Networks awarded by National Science Foundation 2005 - 2007
- Development of Novel Photonic Nanostructures for Measurement in the Duke Femtosecond Terahertz Diagnostic Laboratory awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina 2002 - 2005
- Duke Terahertz Femtosecond Diagnostic Laboratory awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina 1999 - 2002
- Acquisition of a Variable Temperature Four-Circle X-Ray Diffraction System awarded by National Science Foundation 1999 - 2001
- Optoelectronics Laboratory Equipment Enhancement awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina 1998 - 1999
- Electron-localized Phonon Interactions in GaAs/AlxGal-xAs Quantum Well Structures awarded by National Science Foundation 1992 - 1996
- Electron-Localized Phonon Interactions in GaAs/AlxGa,-xAs Quantum Well Structures awarded by National Science Foundation 1992 - 1995
- Electron-Localized Phonon Interactions in GaAs/AlxGa- xAs Quantum Well awarded by National Science Foundation 1992 - 1995
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Teitsworth, Stephen, and John C. Neu. “Stochastic line integrals and stream functions as metrics of irreversibility and heat transfer.” Physical Review. E 106, no. 2–1 (August 2022): 024124. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.106.024124.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., M. E. Olson, and Y. Bomze. “Scaling properties of noise-induced switching in a bistable tunnel diode circuit.” European Physical Journal B 92, no. 4 (April 1, 2019). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2019-90711-0.
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  - Gonzalez, Juan Pablo, John C. Neu, and Stephen W. Teitsworth. “Experimental metrics for detection of detailed balance violation.” Physical Review. E 99, no. 2–1 (February 2019): 022143. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.99.022143.
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  - Ghanta, Akhil, John C. Neu, and Stephen Teitsworth. “Fluctuation loops in noise-driven linear dynamical systems.” Physical Review. E 95, no. 3–1 (March 2017): 032128. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.95.032128.
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  - Dannenberg, Paul H., John C. Neu, and Stephen W. Teitsworth. “Steering most probable escape paths by varying relative noise intensities.” Physical Review Letters 113, no. 2 (July 2014): 020601. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.113.020601.
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  - Bomze, Yu, R. Hey, H. T. Grahn, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Noise-induced current switching in semiconductor superlattices: observation of nonexponential kinetics in a high-dimensional system.” Physical Review Letters 109, no. 2 (July 2012): 026801. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.109.026801.
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  - Bomze, Yu, R. Hey, H. T. Grahn, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Noise-Induced Current Switching in Semiconductor Superlattices: Observation of Nonexponential Kinetics in a High-Dimensional System.” Physical Review Letters 109, no. 026801 (2012): 4.
  - Heinrich, M., T. Dahms, V. Flunkert, S. W. Teitsworth, and E. Schöll. “Symmetry-breaking transitions in networks of nonlinear circuit elements.” New Journal of Physics 12 (November 1, 2010). https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/12/11/113030.
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  - Bonilla, L. L., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Nonlinear Wave Methods for Charge Transport.” Nonlinear Wave Methods for Charge Transport, September 20, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527628674.
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  - Xu, H., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Emergence of current branches in a series array of negative differential resistance circuit elements.” Journal of Applied Physics 108, no. 4 (August 15, 2010). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3475988.
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  - Xu, H., and S. W. Teitsworth. “On the possibility of a shunt-stabilized superlattice terahertz emitter.” Applied Physics Letters 96, no. 2 (January 25, 2010). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3291614.
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  - Bonilla, L. L., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Nonlinear Wave Methods for Charge Transport.” Nonlinear Wave Methods for Charge Transport, 2010.
  - Xu, H., and S. W. Teitsworth. “On the possibility of a shunt-stabilized superlattice THz emitter.” Applied Physics Letters 96, no. 022101 (2010): 3pages.
  - Xu, H., A. Amann, E. Schöll, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Dynamics of electronic transport in a semiconductor superlattice with a shunting side layer.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 79, no. 24 (June 19, 2009). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.79.245318.
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  - Xu, H., A. Amann, E. Schoell, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Dynamics of electronic transport in a semiconductor superlattice with a shunting side layer.” Physical Review B 79, no. 245318 (2009): 14.
  - Xu, H., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Dependence of electric field domain relocation dynamics on contact conductivity in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 76, no. 23 (December 3, 2007). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.76.235302.
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  - Xu, Huidong, and Stephen W. Teitsworth. “Dependence of electric field domain relocation dynamics on contact conductivity in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B 76, no. 235302 (2007): 11pages.
  - Lu, S. L., L. Schrottke, S. W. Teitsworth, R. Hey, and H. T. Grahn. “Negative differential conductance and bistability in undoped GaAs/(Al,Ga)As quantum-cascade structures.” Journal of Applied Physics 100, no. 2 (August 11, 2006). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2214362.
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  - Lu, S. L., L. Schrottke, S. W. Teitsworth, R. Hey, and H. T. Grahn. “Negative differential conductance and bistability in undoped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum-cascade structures.” Journal of Applied Physics 100, no. 023701 (July 2006): 6pages.
  - Lu, S. L., L. Schrottke, S. W. Teitsworth, R. Hey, and H. T. Grahn. “Formation of electric-field domains in GaAs Alx Ga1-x As quantum cascade laser structures.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 73, no. 3 (February 27, 2006). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.033311.
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  - Lu, S. L., L. Schrottke, S. W. Teitsworth, R. Hey, and H. T. Grahn. “Formation of electric-field domains in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum cascade laser structures.” Physical Review B 73, no. 033311 (January 2006): 4pages.
  - Rogozia, M., H. T. Grahn, S. W. Teitsworth, and K. H. Ploog. “Time distribution of the domain-boundary relocation in superlattices.” Physica B: Condensed Matter 314, no. 1–4 (March 1, 2002): 427–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4526(01)01387-4.
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  - Rogozia, M., S. W. Teitsworth, H. T. Grahn, and K. H. Ploog. “Relocation dynamics of domain boundaries in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B 65, no. 205303 (2002): 1–7.
  - Rogozia, M., S. W. Teitsworth, H. T. Grahn, and K. H. Ploog. “Relocation dynamics of domain boundaries in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 65, no. 20 (January 1, 2002): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.65.205303.
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  - Cantalapiedra, I. R., M. J. Bergmann, L. L. Bonilla, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Chaotic motion of space charge wave fronts in semiconductors under time-independent voltage bias.” Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics 63, no. 5 Pt 2 (May 2001): 056216. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.63.056216.
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  - Rogozia, M., S. W. Teitsworth, H. T. Grahn, and K. Ploog. “Statistics of the domain boundary relocation time in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B Rapid Communications 64, no. 041308 (2001): 1–4.
  - Teitsworth, S. W., M. Rogozia, H. T. Grahn, and K. H. Ploog. “Statistics of the domain-boundary relocation time in semiconductor superlattices.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 64, no. 4 (January 1, 2001). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.64.041308.
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  - Cantalapiedra, I. R., M. J. Bergmann, L. L. Bonilla, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Chaotic motion of space charge wave fronts in semiconductors under time-independent voltage bias.” Physical Review E Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics 63, no. 5 II (2001): 562161–67.
  - Olafsen, L. J., T. Daniels-Race, R. E. Kendall, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Photoluminescence of n-i-n GaAs/AlAs single quantum well structures under electric field bias.” Superlattices and Microstructures 27, no. 1 (January 1, 2000): 7–14. https://doi.org/10.1006/spmi.1999.0811.
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  - Olafsen, L. J., T. Daniels-Race, R. E. Kendall, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Photoluminescence of n-i-n GaAs/AlAs single quantum well structures under electric field bias.” Superlattices and Microstructures 27, no. 1 (January 2000): 39–51. https://doi.org/10.1006/spmi.1999.0818.
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  - Luo, K. J., S. W. Teitsworth, H. Kostial, H. T. Grahn, and N. Ohtani. “Controllable bistabilities and bifurcations in a photoexcited GaAs/AlAs superlattice.” Applied Physics Letters 74, no. 25 (June 21, 1999): 3845–47. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.124199.
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  - Luo, K., H. Grahn, S. Teitsworth, and K. Ploog. “Influence of higher harmonics on Poincaré maps derived from current self-oscillations in a semiconductor superlattice.” Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 58, no. 19 (January 1, 1998): 12613–16. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.58.12613.
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  - Blue, L. J., T. Daniels-Race, R. E. Kendall, C. R. Schmid, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Dependence of current-voltage characteristics on Al mole fraction in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs asymmetric double barrier structures.” Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures 15, no. 3 (May 1, 1997): 696–701.
  - Banoo, K. “Phonon scattering in novel superlattice-asymmetric double barrier resonant tunneling structure.” Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B: Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures 14, no. 4 (1996): 2725–30.
  - Bergmann, M. J., S. W. Teitsworth, L. L. Bonilla, and I. R. Cantalapiedra. “Solitary-wave conduction in p-type Ge under time-dependent voltage bias.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 53, no. 3 (January 1996): 1327–35. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.53.1327.
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  - Turley, P. J., C. R. Wallis, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Selection rule for localized phonon emission in GaAs/AlAs double-barrier structures.” Journal of Applied Physics 78, no. 10 (December 1, 1995): 6104–7. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.360551.
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  - Cruz RM, P. G. de la, S. W. Teitsworth, and M. A. Stroscio. “Interface phonons in spherical GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum dots.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 52, no. 3 (July 1995): 1489–92. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.52.1489.
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  - Bonilla, L. L., I. R. Cantalapiedra, M. J. Bergmann, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Onset of current oscillations in extrinsic semiconductors under DC voltage bias.” Semiconductor Science and Technology 9, no. 5 S (December 1, 1994): 599–602. https://doi.org/10.1088/0268-1242/9/5S/054.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., P. J. Turley, C. R. Wallis, W. Li, and P. K. Bhattacharya. “Magnetotunnelling measurements of localized optical phonons in GaAs/AlAs double-barrier structures.” Semiconductor Science and Technology 9, no. 5 S (December 1, 1994): 508–11. https://doi.org/10.1088/0268-1242/9/5S/029.
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  - Wallis, C. R., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Hopf bifurcations and hysteresis in resonant tunneling diode circuits.” Journal of Applied Physics 76, no. 7 (December 1, 1994): 4443–45. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.357343.
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  - Turley, P. J., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Phonon-assisted tunneling from a two-dimensional emitter state.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 50, no. 12 (September 1994): 8423–32. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.50.8423.
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  - Cantalapiedra, I. R., L. L. Bonilla, M. J. Bergmann, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Solitary-wave dynamics in extrinsic semiconductors under dc voltage bias.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 48, no. 16 (October 1993): 12278–81. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.48.12278.
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  - Turley, P. J., C. R. Wallis, S. W. Teitsworth, W. Li, and P. K. Bhattacharya. “Tunneling measurements of symmetrical-interface phonons in gaas/alas double-barrier structures.” Physical Review B 47, no. 19 (May 1993): 12640–48.
  - Dela Cruz, R. M., S. W. Teitsworth, and M. A. Stroscio. “Bottleneck effects due to confined phonons in quantum dots.” Superlattices and Microstructures 13, no. 4 (January 1, 1993): 481–86. https://doi.org/10.1006/spmi.1993.1090.
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  - Kim, K. W., A. R. Bhatt, M. A. Stroscio, P. J. Turley, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Effects of interface phonon scattering in multiheterointerface structures.” Journal of Applied Physics 72, no. 6 (December 1, 1992): 2282–87. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.351569.
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  - Turley, P. J., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Theory of localized phonon modes and their effects on electron tunneling in double-barrier structures.” Journal of Applied Physics 72, no. 6 (December 1, 1992): 2356–66. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.351577.
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  - Turley, P. J., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Effects of localized phonon modes on magnetotunneling spectra in double-barrier structures.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 44, no. 23 (December 1991): 12959–63. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.44.12959.
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  - Turley, P. J., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Phonon-assisted tunneling due to localized modes in double-barrier structures.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 44, no. 15 (October 1991): 8181–84. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.44.8181.
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  - Turley, P. J., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Electronic wave functions and electron-confined-phonon matrix elements in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs double-barrier resonant-tunneling structures.” Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter 44, no. 7 (August 1991): 3199–3210. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.44.3199.
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  - Bonilla, L. L., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Theory of periodic and solitary space charge waves in extrinsic semiconductors.” Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena 50, no. 3 (January 1, 1991): 545–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-2789(91)90014-Z.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W. “The physics of space charge instabilities and temporal chaos in extrinsic photoconductors.” Applied Physics a Solids and Surfaces 48, no. 2 (February 1, 1989): 127–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01141274.
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  - Westervelt, R. M., E. G. Gwinn, and S. W. Teitsworth. “Chaotic dynamics in Ge photoconductors.” Nuclear Physics B (Proceedings Supplements) 2, no. C (January 1, 1987): 37–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0920-5632(87)90007-7.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., and R. M. Westervelt. “Subharmonic and chaotic response of periodically driven extrinsic Ge photoconductors.” Physical Review Letters 56, no. 5 (February 1986): 516–19. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.56.516.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., B. A. Lynn, and R. M. Westervelt. “Chaotic dynamics in a simple model of extrinsic photoconductors.” Physica Scripta 1986, no. T14 (January 1, 1986): 71–75. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-8949/1986/T14/012.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., and R. M. Westervelt. “Nonlinear current-voltage characteristics and spontaneous current oscillations in p-Ge.” Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena 23, no. 1–3 (January 1, 1986): 181–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-2789(86)90126-0.
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  - Westervelt, R. M., S. W. Teitsworth, and E. G. Gwinn. “Chaotic dynamics in ge photoconductors.” Physica Scripta 1986, no. T14 (January 1, 1986): 65–70. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-8949/1986/T14/011.
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  - Westervelt, R. M., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in extrinsic photoconductors.” Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena 23, no. 1–3 (January 1, 1986): 187–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-2789(86)90127-2.
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  - Westervelt, R. M., and S. W. Teitsworth. “Nonlinear transient response of extrinsic Ge far-infrared photoconductors.” Journal of Applied Physics 57, no. 12 (December 1, 1985): 5457–69. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.334822.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., and R. M. Westervelt. “Chaos and broadband noise in extrinsic photoconductors.” Physical Review Letters 53, no. 27 (January 1, 1984): 2587–90. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.53.2587.
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  - Teitsworth, S. W., R. M. Westervelt, and E. E. Haller. “Nonlinear oscillations and chaos in electrical breakdown in Ge.” Physical Review Letters 51, no. 9 (January 1, 1983): 825–28. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.51.825.
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- Conference Papers
  - Neu, J. C., A. Ghanta, and S. W. Teitsworth. “The Geometry of most probable trajectories in noise-driven dynamical systems.” In Springer Proceedings in Mathematics and Statistics, 232:153–67, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76599-0_9.
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Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
Advising & Mentoring
- Spring 2019:
  Undergraduate Research Mentoring:
  Devon Shusterman, “Noise-driven models for describing nonlinear electronic transport in memristors.”
  Chongbin Zhong, "Analysis of stock market price fluctuations using stochastic area."
Teaching Activities
- SPRING 2022:
  
  PHY 190S, Special Topics in Physics - the Physics of Energy
  PHY 493, Research Independent Study - Noisy Nonlinear Dynamics
  
  FALL 2022:
  
  PHY 763, Statistical Mechanics
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Presentations & Appearances
Outreach & Engaged Scholarship
- Principal speaker. Information session on Physics Graduate School. Appalachian State University. March 29, 2019 - March 29, 2019 2019
- Chair. American Physical Society, Committee on Meetings. December 18, 2008 - July 1, 2010 2008 - 2010
Service to the Profession
Service to Duke
- Executive Committee of the Graduate Faculty. September 2021 - June 2023 2021 - 2023

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Previous Appointments & Affiliations

Awards & Honors

Global Scholarship

Research

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Conference Papers

Recent Courses

Advising & Mentoring

Teaching Activities

Presentations & Appearances

Outreach & Engaged Scholarship

Service to the Profession

Service to Duke