Research

We leverage advances in ultrafast laser technology, non-linear optics, pulse shaping, and next-generation light sources (e.g. synchrotrons and free electron lasers) from around the world to apply pulsed electromagnetic radiation, ranging from the terahertz regime (meV) to relativistic electrons (MeV), to novel molecular and nanoscale materials and devices relevant to energy and quantum applications.

By deploying the pulses in strategically defined sequences, including multi-pulse 'pump-control-probe' schemes, we seek to both selectively control and visualize the motion, lifetime, coherence, and energy of elementary conduits (excitons, charges, spins, polarons, phonons...) that mediate critical physical and chemical processes, particularly the transduction of energy and information, in condensed media.

We evaluate how steering the course of these processes alters the properties and performance of the materials/devices via a suite of operando optical, scattering and device-based probes. From these insights, and in conjunction with world-leading materials synthesists, device engineers and theorists, we devise mechanisms and design principles for the next frontier of nanoscale-enabled technologies.