Ultrafast materials science -- We are interested in ultrafast processes in quantum materials and aim to explore new ways to measure and control how atoms and electrons move. The main focus is to understand nonequilibrium heterogeneities, particularly, arising from the complex interactions of electrons, spins, and lattices in complex oxides and 2D materials.
Local probe -- Ultrafast dynamics of mesoscale objects play pivotal roles in nonequilibrium material properties. Novel phenomena can arise from unique boundary conditions, collective dynamics, and mesoscale effects, which are typically washed out in ensemble-averaged measurements. Probing at the appropriate space (nm to um, see figures below) and time scales not only helps to understand the fundamental physics but also inspires new energy and information applications on ultrafast time scales.
Multimodal probe -- A set of complimentary characterization tools is needed to provide a comprehensive view of coupled degrees of freedom. We develop and use ultrafast probes across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum (see figures below) that directly measure the dynamical material properties on-demand at Argonne and large-scale facilities worldwide.
Some of examples of our recent research:
Our research is supported by Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. Significant contributions are made by postdoctoral researchers and students below.
Current: Dr. Zhaodong Chu, Dr. Kumar Neeraj, Dr. Boyang Zhao
Alumni: Dr. Marc Zajac (Scientist, KLA Tencor), Dr. Travis Fraser(Scientist, KMLabs), Dr. Faran Zhou (Scientist, Institue of Physics, Beijing), Dr. Jiawei Zhang (Postdoc, RIKEN, Japan), Dr. Vladimir Stoica (Research prof., PSU), Dr. Youngjun Ahn (Postdoc, UM, Ann Arbor), Dr. Qian Li (Prof., Tsinghua U.), Dr. Kankan Cong (Scientist, Veeco), Mr. Samuel Marks (Student, U of Wisc, Madison), Dr. Qi Zhang (Prof., Nanjing University), Dr. I-Cheng Tung (Scientist, Intel), Dr. Yi Zhu (Scientist, KLA Tencor), Mr. Kiyan Tavangar (Student, U of Chicago).