While optical tweezers have revolutionized light-driven manipulation, their force range, accessible scales, and versatility remain limited. To overcome these constraints, we harness light-induced heating, cooling, and temperature gradients to control matter. Inspired by natural phenomena such as wind and ocean currents, where temperature differences drive motion across vast scales, we establish an optothermal manipulation platform that is precise, versatile, and energy-efficient. This platform is further integrated with chemical, electrical, and acoustic modalities, enabling programmable control over the motion, interactions, structure, composition, and properties of matter across multiple scales. The incorporation of artificial intelligence paves the way toward self-driving manipulation and discovery.
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We integrate innovations in both manipulation by light and manipulation of light, augmented by artificial intelligence, to advance spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanoscopy. Using standard optical microscopy, combined with optical rotation and machine-learning-based image analysis, we achieve high-resolution volumetric imaging and accurate classification of organisms. Our mechanoscopy tools, including adhesion frequency assays, quantify dynamic cell-cell interactions, cell-substrate adhesion, and receptor-ligand binding forces in biocompatible environments with controlled geometry, and reveal their correlation with biochemical organization and signaling. In addition, we develop chiroptical spectroscopy systems for label-free, highly sensitive enantiodiscrimination.
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We develop approaches to control light using architected materials. While traditional optics can guide and shape light, their functionality and adaptability remain limited. To overcome these constraints, we engineer quantum materials, resonators, photonic crystals, and metamaterials that precisely control light, unlocking new regimes of light–matter interactions. Inspired by nature and guided by artificial intelligence, our designs accelerate discovery and enable unprecedented optical functionalities. Our light-driven manipulation platform enables freeform, sustainable manufacturing of these materials and their assembly into photonic integrated circuits. Advanced characterization tools link structure to function, revealing both the behavior of individual nanostructures and their collective emergent phenomena.
