Zhang, Jin Associate Professor

I am high pressure-temperature mineral physicist. My research focuses on the structures, composition, and dynamics of the Earth and other planets through high pressure-temperature experiments. My primary research tool is Brillouin spectroscopy combined with diamond anvil cell technique for in situ sound velocity measurements of Earth and planetary materials, which are essential for interpreting various geophysical/geochemical observations in the planetary interiors. My ultimate goal is to establish a 3D mineralogical model of the Earth from the core to the surface. I also use various types of synchrotron X-ray techniques and large volume press to study other petrology and volcanology problems, such as high pressure-temperature phase equilibrium, magma viscosity, volatile storage and transport in the deep Earth and other planets. I have minor interest in material sciences as well.