Kevin Smith
· Professor of Physics and Professor of ChemistryVerifiedBoston University · Physics
Active 1972–2026
About
Kevin Smith is a Professor of Physics and Professor of Chemistry at Boston University. He received a B.A. in Physics from Trinity College Dublin and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Yale University. Following his doctoral studies, he spent three years as a postdoctoral research associate with the University of Oregon, with two of those years based full time at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He then joined the Department of Physics at Boston University, where his research program focuses on the soft x-ray spectroscopic study of the surface and bulk electronic structure of novel materials. His primary research techniques include soft x-ray emission spectroscopy, resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering, and photoemission spectroscopy, all undertaken at synchrotron radiation facilities such as the National Synchrotron Light Source and the Advanced Light Source. His research investigates material systems including correlated and low-dimensional solids, thin film organic semiconductors, transparent conducting oxides, and thin film rare-earth nitrides. Kevin Smith has co-authored over 145 publications and delivered 140 invited talks. In addition to his research accomplishments, he is a prize-winning teacher, having received the Boston University Metcalf Cup and Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 1999 and being named the Massachusetts Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2001. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Vacuum Society, an Honorary Member of Phi Beta Kappa, and has received numerous awards including the NSF CAREER Award, the Henry Prentiss Becton Prize at Yale, and the Trinity College Dublin Gold Medal in Natural Sciences.
Research topics
- Composite material
- Materials science
- Chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Chemical engineering
- Optoelectronics
- Metallurgy
- Thermodynamics
- Nanotechnology
- Condensed matter physics
- Physics
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Crystallography
Selected publications
Reconfigurable Superconducting Quantum Circuits Enabled by Micro-Scale Liquid-Metal Interconnects
arXiv (Cornell University) · 2026-03-10
preprintOpen accessModular architectures are a promising route toward scalable superconducting quantum processors, but finite fabrication yield and the lack of high quality temporary interconnects impose fundamental limitations on system size. Here, we demonstrate chip-scale liquid-metal interconnects that show promise for plug-and-play superconducting quantum circuits by enabling non-destructive module replacement while maintaining high microwave performance. Using gallium-based liquid metals, we realize high-quality inter-module signal and ground interconnects, comparable in performance to conventional coplanar waveguide resonators. We illustrate consistent device characteristics across three thermal cycles between room temperature and 15 mK, as well as the ability to reform superconducting connections following module replacement. A width-dependent resonance frequency shift reveals a significant kinetic inductance fraction, which we attribute to the presence of $β$-phase tantalum as confirmed by X-ray characterization. Finally, we investigate power-dependent loss mechanisms and observe high-power dissipative nonlinearities qualitatively consistent with a readout-power heating model. These results establish liquid metals as viable chip-scale interconnects for reconfigurable, modular superconducting quantum systems.
Reconfigurable Superconducting Quantum Circuits Enabled by Micro-Scale Liquid-Metal Interconnects
ArXiv.org · 2026-03-10
articleOpen accessModular architectures are a promising route toward scalable superconducting quantum processors, but finite fabrication yield and the lack of high quality temporary interconnects impose fundamental limitations on system size. Here, we demonstrate chip-scale liquid-metal interconnects that show promise for plug-and-play superconducting quantum circuits by enabling non-destructive module replacement while maintaining high microwave performance. Using gallium-based liquid metals, we realize high-quality inter-module signal and ground interconnects, comparable in performance to conventional coplanar waveguide resonators. We illustrate consistent device characteristics across three thermal cycles between room temperature and 15 mK, as well as the ability to reform superconducting connections following module replacement. A width-dependent resonance frequency shift reveals a significant kinetic inductance fraction, which we attribute to the presence of $β$-phase tantalum as confirmed by X-ray characterization. Finally, we investigate power-dependent loss mechanisms and observe high-power dissipative nonlinearities qualitatively consistent with a readout-power heating model. These results establish liquid metals as viable chip-scale interconnects for reconfigurable, modular superconducting quantum systems.
An unexpectedly shrunken bandgap in V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> nanoparticles
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter · 2025-05-08 · 1 citations
articleOpen accessSenior authorAbstract Synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy was employed to determine the effects of nanostructuring on electronic band structure in V 2 O 5 , a promising cathode material and widely used catalyst. V 2 O 5 nanoparticle and bulk powders were characterized via P-XRD, electron microscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to confirm the optical bandgap. X-ray emission spectroscopy revealed the nanoparticle valence band O 2 p states to be upshifted relative to the bulk, while x-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering showed the lowest V 3 d conduction band states to be static. Together, these changes (in conjunction with an increased density of unoccupied lower conduction band states) produce a shrunken bandgap in the V 2 O 5 nanoparticles that defies the Burstein-Moss effect. Changes in nanoparticle band structure are generally attributed to oxygen vacancy defects. While nanostructure bandgap reduction is in line with much previous computational work, it is unexpected from most previous experimental results. To our knowledge, this is the first synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy study of a shrunken bandgap achieved in pure V 2 O 5 nanoparticles.
VIPER’s Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSolo)
The Planetary Science Journal · 2025-11-01 · 2 citations
articleOpen accessAbstract The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) is a lunar volatiles detection and measurement mission that will land on Mons Mouton near Nobile crater, close to the Moon’s south pole. One of the analytical instruments embedded within the rover is the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo) instrument. VIPER’s data will ultimately be used to create lunar water resource maps that may enable a sustained presence on the lunar surface. As VIPER navigates several kilometers of terrain, its onboard analytical instrumentation will characterize the presence of volatiles along the traverse path and identify candidate locations for drilling. Upon selection of a drilling site, the rover will position itself and deploy an auguring, percussive drill down to 1 m depth. Upon extraction, regolith cuttings captured by the auger are deposited on the surface, an activity that will initiate the release of any volatile gases that are subsequently detected and quantified by MSolo. MSolo is designed to identify low-molecular-weight volatiles (between m / z 1 and 100) with unit mass resolution. Volatiles of interest include D / H and O18/O16-bearing species, including possible water contained within the lunar regolith. MSolo is a modified commercial off-the-shelf system, meaning the instrument is based on a commercially available unit that has been ruggedized for space applications.
Building Simulation Conference proceedings · 2025-08-24
articleOpen accessThe digitization of HVAC schematic drawings is a time-consuming and error-prone process. Current methods, including machine learning and deep learning, have limitations to implement comprehensive solutions in this field. This research proposes a framework using Large Multimodal Models (LMM), specifically the GPT-4o model, to automate the conversion of HVAC schematics diagrams into a machine-readable metadata schema that adheres to the Brick Schema. The approach demonstrates the feasibility of generating serialized Brick models with high reliability in symbol recognition and classification. However, the results also reveal the limitations of GPT-4o in understanding the relationship between symbols, which led to a low reliability in recognizing and classifying connections. The findings highlight the adaptability of GPT-4o to recognize new data once provided within a prompt, and the relevance of introducing legends and Brick classes to significantly improve the performance of the model, while revealing the need for further research for improving the performance of the model to capture the relationships between symbols in HVAC schematics diagrams.
Electronic Structure · 2025-12-10
articleOpen accessSenior authorAbstract SrTi <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mrow> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mi>x</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> </mml:msub> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> V x O 3 (STVO) is a disordered strongly correlated oxide with potential applications in future oxide electronic devices and as a next-generation transparent conducting oxide. STVO exhibits a compositional metal–insulator transition (MIT) that lies at the heart of such applications. However, a solid framework for the MIT in real strongly correlated systems when faced with competing disorder remains in its infancy. We present site-selective x-ray spectroscopies of STVO which we compare with advanced density functional theory plus dynamical mean-field theory calculations. Together, these allow us to separate the effects of strong electron correlation (Mott behaviour) from those of disorder (Anderson localisation), providing a detailed window into the character of the MIT in STVO. We find signatures of both effects in our spectroscopic data, establishing both behaviours as essential ingredients in the collaborative Mott–Anderson transition.
Physical Review Materials · 2025-10-08 · 4 citations
preprintOpen accessSenior authorAntiferromagnetic ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$ has recently emerged as a quantum material of considerable interest, thanks to the discovery of multiple new couplings involving electrons, spins, orbitals, phonons, and magnons. However, controversies and open questions persist concerning the fundamental origins of these couplings. A critical piece of information required to advance the understanding is the precise electronic band structure of ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), combined with alkali metal dosing (AMD), can enable us to directly observe the subtle electronic states that appear around the Fermi surface, offering valuable insights into the intriguing quantum properties and interplays of the examined material. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization and analysis of the band structure of van der Waals layered antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$, leveraging state-of-the-art $\ensuremath{\mu}$-ARPES measurements supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Theoretical DFT results identify the orbital contributions to the observed bands, providing a precise understanding of the experimental ARPES data. Crucially, AMD enables the observation of conduction band and defect-related states above the valence band maximum in ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$. Furthermore, temperature dependent ARPES results across the N\'eel transition temperature of ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$ reveal that the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases have nearly identical band structures, underlining the highly localized character of Ni $d$ states. These findings substantially deepen our understanding of the electronic properties of ${\mathrm{NiPS}}_{3}$ and lay a vital foundation for exploring the intriguing quantum phenomena it exhibits.
Floods, Facts, and Fictions: Numbers and Narratives Behind Bangladesh’s 2024 Regional Floods
2025-02-27 · 3 citations
preprintOpen accessThe August 2024 regional floods in Bangladesh, occurring shortly after a major political upheaval, were among the most severe in recent history, displacing millions and causing extensive damage. This paper examines both the scientific and social dimensions of this disaster by exploring the natural drivers that led to the flooding and the sociopolitical context that caused rumors to spread that the floods were far from natural. We begin with a climatic and hydrological analysis that provides an objective explanation of the flood’s severity based on a convergence of intensified monsoon rainfall, the Madden-Julian Oscillation, and a repositioned jet stream. We then leverage misinformation studies to explain the rapid spread of misleading narratives in the wake of the floods, including allegations of deliberate upstream dam releases by India. Our findings highlight that effective flood preparedness, response, and recovery require not only a scientific grasp of the “numbers” that explain natural drivers but also a nuanced understanding of the “narratives” that shape public perception and action, whether constructive or detrimental. Using the notion of engineering diplomacy, we argue that the mutual acknowledgment of common interests and a focus on collaborative, practical projects can lead to progress on immediate flood management needs while creating the enabling conditions for broader cooperation between transboundary nations like India and Bangladesh. We briefly examine the existing approaches for flood management between the two countries and suggest several tangible pilot projects and initiatives. In exploring both the scientific and social dimensions of the 2024 floods, this paper highlights a critical gap in common approaches to flood preparedness, response, and recovery, emphasizing the need for collaboration and trust-building to transform natural hazards into opportunities for sustainable action. The proposed coordinated and mutually beneficial strategies using the notion of engineering diplomacy have the potential to ensure future natural hazards do not lead to national disasters.
American Antiquity · 2024-03-07 · 3 citations
articleOpen accessAbstract As regional chronologies become better defined, we are better able to track large-scale population movements and related cultural change. A dataset of 156 radiocarbon dates from the Middle Cumberland Region (MCR), evaluated with 199 more dates from the Ridge and Valley portions of northern Georgia and East Tennessee, enable modeling of population movements from the Central Mississippi Valley into the MCR, as well as subsequent movements and effects in the Ridge and Valley between AD 1200 and 1450. The dissolution of Cahokia is of particular interest, because the MCR falls geographically between the American Bottom and the Ridge and Valley province. This large-scale chronological perspective places key events in this part of the Southeast and Midwest into a unified historical framework that increases our understanding of the timing of cultural events. A related goal is to sort out possible external events and influences that may have affected this large region. This study makes apparent the relationships between cultural events and natural events, such as the drought sequences reported for the Central Mississippi Valley and beyond.
Thermal conversion of ultrathin nickel hydroxide for wide bandgap 2D nickel oxides
arXiv (Cornell University) · 2024-04-15
preprintOpen accessWide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors (Eg >2.0 eV) are integral to the advancement of next generation electronics, optoelectronics, and power industries, owing to their capability for high temperature operation, high breakdown voltage and efficient light emission. Enhanced power efficiency and functional performance can be attained through miniaturization, specifically via the integration of device fabrication into two-dimensional (2D) structure enabled by WBG 2D semiconductors. However, as an essential subgroup of WBG semiconductors, 2D transition metal oxides (TMOs) remain largely underexplored in terms of physical properties and applications in 2D opto-electronic devices, primarily due to the scarcity of sufficiently large 2D crystals. Thus, our goal is to develop synthesis pathways for 2D TMOs possessing large crystal domain (e.g. >10 nm), expanding the 2D TMOs family and providing insights for future engineering of 2D TMOs. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of WBG 2D nickel oxide (NiO) (Eg > 2.7 eV) thermally converted from 2D nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) with the lateral domain size larger than 10 um. Moreover, the conversion process is investigated using various microscopic techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), providing significant insights on the morphology and structure variation under different oxidative conditions. The electronic structure of the converted NixOy is further investigated using multiple soft X-ray spectroscopies, such as X-ray absorption (XAS) and emission spectroscopies (XES).
Recent grants
Surface, Interface, and Bulk Electronic Structure of Nano-Scale Thin Film Organic Semiconductors
NSF · $363k · 2008–2011
NSF · $360k · 2003–2007
Surface Chemistry of Complex Multi-Element Metal Oxides
NSF · $397k · 2012–2016
NSF · $300k · 2003–2007
Frequent coauthors
- 70 shared
J. Laverock
University of Bristol
- 64 shared
Vedran Jovic
MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
- 52 shared
Per‐Anders Glans
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- 42 shared
Louis F. J. Piper
University of Warwick
- 41 shared
James E. Downes
Macquarie University
- 37 shared
T. Learmonth
Boston University
- 33 shared
Cormac McGuinness
Trinity College Dublin
- 30 shared
Jinghua Guo
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Awards & honors
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- Fellow, American Vacuum Society
- Massachusetts Professor of the Year, Carnegie Foundation for…
- Fellow, Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick,…
- Honorary Member, Phi Beta Kappa
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