(4hc) Near Field Enhancement from Plasmonic Metal Oxide Nanocrystals: From Fundamentals to Their Applications

Nanocrystals with high charge carrier concentrations can generate localized surface plasmons, concentrating the electric field near the surface of the nanocrystal. These nanocrystals can serve as “nanomirrors,” generating nanosized photonic structures for strong electric field localization. By preparing a monolayer of nanocrystals with high uniformity, ensured through the liquid-air interphase method, we can create numerous nanosized gaps where strong electric field localization induces near-field enhancement, influencing coupling behavior and non-linear optical responses. This work focuses on doped metal oxide nanocrystal-based monolayers as a platform to induce coupling behavior between molecules on the surface, enhancing vibrational mode absorption for molecular detection. I will propose an optimization strategy to enhance vibration signals based on the tunability of metal oxide nanocrystal size and charge carrier concentration. Additionally, by creating a photonic structure with these nanocrystals, perfect absorption behavior can be achieved in the near and mid-infrared regimes. This system has the potential to serve as a saturable absorber, leveraging the highly concentrated electric field (approximately 10^3 times) within a few nanometer gaps.

Teaching Interests

I have interdisciplinary experiences stemming from my bachelor's and Ph.D. in materials science, which include extensive chemistry and chemical engineering lab work, as well as collaborations with the electrical and optical engineering fields. As a mentor, my proficiency across various academic disciplines empowers me to engage and support students in classroom settings by identifying shared interests from my diverse perspectives and providing hands-on experiences. As an instructor, I am particularly interested in teaching thermodynamics and materials-related courses, which are foundational in chemical engineering for process and transport design. For classes, I will maintain an open-door policy to offer individual guidance to all students. At the graduate level, I aspire to design a course on nanostructure design, covering the fundamentals of nanomaterials and their applications in state-of-the-art processing technologies. Through my interdisciplinary research, pedagogical strategies, and community outreach, I am dedicated to creating an equitable environment where individuals can thrive.