Dr. Felix O. Saouma
PhD(SUNY Binghamton),  BEd Science(KU).
CoD, Physical Sciences
Physics Lecturer
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Researchgate
E-mail : fsaouma@kafu.ac.ke
Full CV

Dr. Felix O. Saouma is a Lecturer in Physics and the Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences at Kaimosi Friends University. He holds a PhD in Physics from the State University of New York at Binghamton, USA, and a Bachelor of Education in Science (Mathematics and Physics) from Kenyatta University, Kenya.

Dr. Saouma’s academic and research interests focus on the application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) in the study of novel materials, with a broader engagement in condensed matter physics, materials science, renewable energy systems, and nonlinear optics. His work aims to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies and the advancement of computational materials research.

As Chair of the Department, Dr. Saouma is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring both students and faculty. He is committed to building a vibrant academic environment that supports innovation, research, and community engagement.

Research Interests

Dr. Felix O. Saouma is highly skilled in the nonlinear optical characterization of semiconductor materials, with expertise in the use of tunable laser systems and optical spectroscopic techniques. He has actively contributed to cutting-edge research in the field, particularly in the characterization of nonlinear optical properties of novel and emerging materials. His PhD research focused on “Nonlinear Optical Properties of Emerging Perovskite Solar Cell Materials,” and he continues to make impactful contributions in this domain.

Dr. Saouma’s current research integrates experimental techniques with computational modeling, with a focus on the application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic structure, optical responses, and functional behavior of advanced materials. His work lies at the intersection of computational physics, materials science, and photonics, and aims to accelerate the development of next-generation materials for renewable energy and optoelectronic technologies.

Key Research Interests:

• Computational Study of Electronic Structure
  Applying DFT to predict and analyze the electronic, optical, and structural properties of novel materials.
• Nonlinear Optical Materials
  Investigating the nonlinear optical responses of perovskite solar cell materials, chalcogenides, and multiferroic compounds, especially in the mid-infrared (IR) frequency range.
• Photovoltaic Materials
  Design and optimization of high-performance materials for solar energy conversion, with emphasis on efficiency, stability, and sustainability.
• Thermoelectric Materials
  Exploration of materials capable of converting heat into electricity, contributing to efficient energy harvesting systems.
• Materials Science
  Broad interests in structure–property relationships, defect engineering, and the development of functional materials for energy and electronic applications.

Dr. Saouma’s research advances the understanding of material behavior at the atomic level, with implications for sustainable technologies, optical communication systems, and emerging energy solutions.

Research Interest

Highly skilled in nonlinear optical characterization of semiconductor materials using tunable laser system and optical spectroscopic techniques. I have been productively involved in cutting edge research opportunities and in turn contributed immensely in the characterization of nonlinear optical properties of novel materials. My current research interest spans across;

• Computational study of electronic structure properties of novel nonlinear optical materials using Density Functional Theory.
• Nonlinear optical properties of emerging perovskite solar cell materials.
• Nonlinear optical responses of chalcogenides and multiferroic materials in the mid-infrared (IR) frequencies.

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PUBLICATIONS:

1. “Computational study of LiAlSi, LiAlGe and LiGaSi Half-Heusler alloys for opto-electronic applications”, Madallah Yusuf, George S. Manyali, Felix O. Saouma, Physica B: Condensed Matter 693 416390 (2024).
2. “First principles study of thermos-physical and opto-electronic properties of NaCuTe, NaCuSe and NaScSn as potential photovoltaics”, Madallah Yusuf, Felix O. Saouma, George S. Manyali, Job W. Wafula, Anthony Pembere, Physica B: Condensed Matter 684 415954 (2024).
3. “DFT investigation of structural, elastic, electronic, thermodynamic and optical properties of KCuZ (Z= Te, Se) solar absorbers”, Madallah Yusuf, Felix O. Saouma, George S. Manyali, Job W. Wafula, Odanga Huxley, Solid State Communications. 370, 115219 (2023).
4. ‘’Low Born effective charges, high covalency and strong optical activity in X_3^(2+) Bi^(3-) N^(3-) (X=Ca,Sr,Ba) inverse-perovskites”, Jasmine Wakini, Carolyne Songa, Stephen Chege, Felix O. Saouma, Elica Wabululu, P.W.O Nyawere, Victor Odari, James Sifuna, George S. Manyali, https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.00359 [cond-mat.mtrl-sci].
5. ‘’Synthesis, structure, linear and nonlinear optical properties of noncentrosymmetric quaternary diamond-like semiconductors, Cu2ZnGeSe4 (CZGSe) and the novel Cu4ZnGe2Se7’’, Charles W. Sinagra III, Felix O. Saouma, Calford O. Otieno, Saul H. Lapidus, Jian-Han Zhang, Andrew J. Craig, Pedro Grima-Gallardo, Jacilynn A. Brant, Kimberly A. Rosmus, Kate E. Rosello, Joon I. Jang, Jennifer A. Aitken, Journal of Alloys and Compounds. 888, 161499 (2021).
6. “Crystal structure and second harmonic generation in Bi2TeO5: An X-N study from synchrotron and neutron diffraction data”, C. A. Lopez, E. Baati, M. T. Fernandez-Diaz, F. O. Saouma, J. I. Jang, J. A. Alonso, , J. Solid State Chem. 276, 122 (2019).