Research

Our research focuses on understanding and controlling light–matter interactions and molecular processes at nanoscale interfaces. We investigate how the local chemical, electronic, and electromagnetic environment influences molecular interactions, energy transfer, chemical reactivity, and the optical properties of materials. A central goal is to connect molecular-scale interactions with the emergent properties and functions of nanoscale materials.

To address these questions, we combine advanced optical spectroscopy and nanoscale imaging with the design and fabrication of plasmonic, molecular, and hybrid nanomaterials. Our research takes advantage of strongly confined optical fields in plasmonic nanostructures and nanocavities to probe and manipulate molecular processes, including vibrational and electronic excitation, charge and energy transfer, photochemical reactions, and molecular optomechanical effects. We also use scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and nano-FTIR spectroscopy to investigate chemical composition, intermolecular interactions, and optical properties with nanometer spatial resolution.

Through these approaches, we seek fundamental understanding of how molecules, materials, and light interact at interfaces and how these interactions can be controlled to create new capabilities in spectroscopy, sensing, photochemistry, nanophotonics, and functional materials.