Assistant Professor of Physics
📧 cmarble@tarleton.edu
📞 254-968-9400
📍 Science Building, Room 213C
Faculty Research Description
Dr. Chris Marble’s research focuses on developing optical tools to probe and control the interaction of light with matter. His work spans spectroscopy, ultrafast optics, quantum materials, and nonlinear light-matter interactions, with an emphasis on sensing and imaging applications. By combining lasers, photonics, and quantum measurement techniques, his group studies problems ranging from biomedical sensing and environmental monitoring to the development of emerging quantum technologies.
A major theme of the research program is using light to measure physical, chemical, and biological properties that are difficult to access by traditional means. Current projects include Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, quantum-enhanced microscopy using squeezed light, and optical characterization of quantum materials. The group develops custom instrumentation that translates ideas from optics and quantum physics into practical sensing technologies.
The long-term goal of the Marble research group is to develop new ways of using light to measure physical, chemical, and biological systems while training the next generation of scientists and engineers through hands-on research experiences and quantum workforce development activities.
Quantum Biophotonics Laboratory
The Marble research group is developing an experimental optics and spectroscopy laboratory at Tarleton State University focused on applying quantum sensing techniques to biological systems, as well as traditional spectroscopy techniques for biological and semiconductor systems. The laboratory supports both undergraduate training and faculty research through the development of custom optical systems and advanced measurement capabilities. Following renovation, the laboratory will be equipped to conduct studies requiring Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment.
Harmonic conversion of pulsed laser light for use in an entangled photon imaging experiment.
Recent Faculty Awards
Dr. Marble has secured both internal and external support for developing new research capabilities at Tarleton State University. He was granted a 2026 President’s Excellence in Research Scholars (PERS) award of $34,199 for the establishment of a spectroscopy system for microplastic detection. He also helped lead the $100,000-funded Texas A&M University System Research Excellence Fund (TAMUS REF) proposal to purchase a Raman microscope for the College of Science and Mathematics core facility. He has participated in semiconductor workforce development initiatives and has led collaborative proposals focused on quantum materials, quantum biosensing, and quantum workforce development across the Texas A&M University System.
These efforts contribute to the growth of quantum science and photonics research at Tarleton while building partnerships with researchers at Texas A&M University, national labs, and other institutions.
Research Opportunities
Students participate in projects involving optics, spectroscopy, quantum sensing, and materials science. Research opportunities include building optical instruments, performing spectroscopy experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results at conferences. Students interested in quantum science are also encouraged to participate in workshops and other workforce development activities that provide exposure to emerging quantum technologies.
Student Research Highlight
Lab members from engineering are building the laser lab.
Undergraduate students currently contribute to projects involving Raman spectroscopy, optical instrumentation development, environmental monitoring, and quantum technologies. Recent student-led projects have included the design of low-cost Raman spectrometers for chemical analysis and the development of techniques for identifying microplastic contamination in environmental samples. These projects provide students with hands-on laboratory experience while preparing them for graduate study and careers in physics, engineering, data science, and emerging technology sectors.