Title: Probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonics
Abstract: Nanophotonic devices, relying on strong interaction between light and the underlying materials, play a vital role in modern technology facilitating communication, sensing, imaging, and energy conversion across various disciplines. In my research, I examine the use of novel layered van der Waals materials in creating more advanced nanophotonic devices to meet the growing demands imposed by newly emerging technologies. Specifically, I probe the coupling between light and the intrinsic excitations living within different types of van der Waals materials, which strongly modifies materials’ optical responses and thus have profound implications on the photonic nano-structures performances. By utilizing the unique properties of this novel material platform, I find that nanophotonic devices and systems with reduced footprint, stronger light-matter interactions, and potentially higher energy efficiency can be achieved. These findings can provide a guideline for designing, fabricating, and characterizing advanced optical systems made of novel van der Waals materials.
About the Speaker: Dr. Haonan Ling is an assistant professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at UCF starting in Jan 2025. His research interest lies at the intersection of material science, applied physics, and optics and photonics. His PhD dissertation focuses on probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonic applications. He is the recipient of the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Prize (2024) and Dissertation Year Fellowship at UCLA (2023).
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