Research Programming Light-Matter Interactions
Manipulation by Light
We expand optical manipulation beyond direct optical forces by transforming light into programmable thermal, chemical, hydrodynamic, and mechanical fields. Inspired by transport phenomena in nature, we harness light-induced heating, cooling, and gradients to control the motion, interactions, assembly, structure, composition, and transformation of matter across length scales. By integrating multiphysical principles with artificial intelligence, we enable energy-efficient, multimodal, and autonomous manipulation of diverse systems, from macroscopic objects and living cells to molecules and ions.
Manipulation of Light
We engineer materials and architectures that program how light is generated, confined, coupled, transported, and transformed. From quantum materials and resonant building blocks to collective photonic architectures, we tailor light across its spatial, spectral, polarization, chiral, thermal, and informational degrees of freedom. Nature-inspired design and artificial intelligence guide the discovery of unconventional photonic structures, while light-driven manufacturing and advanced characterization connect their architecture to emergent optical behavior.
ADvanced photonic Systems
We synergize manipulation of light with manipulation by light to engineer advanced photonic systems. By integrating photonic materials, light-driven manipulation, and artificial intelligence, we enable closed-loop control of light-matter interactions and create intelligent platforms that sense, act, adapt, and compute. These integrated systems advance intelligent measurement, sustainable manufacturing, micro/nanorobotics, thermal management, and information processing, opening opportunities across the life sciences, health, energy, sustainability, and computing.