Quantum Materials Chemistry

We use ultrafast xuv pulses to characterize the most fundamental steps in chemical reactions. The xuv pulses can uniquely access core electrons and map out the dynamical evolutions of valence electronic dynamics with element specificity. The results will reveal how electrons move in materials, from atoms to atoms, and layer to layer, thereby providing fundamental design principles of energy devices.

Electrons are quantum entity, behaving both as a wave and particle at the same time. However, whether or how the nature harnesses the quantum effects in chemicals and materials remain an open question. We reveal quantum coherence on electrons by using ultrafast optical spectroscopy, which can accessband-to-band and intraexcitonic resonances of two-dimensional materials.

Nonlinear response of materials subjected to an intense laser field constitutes the basis of modern electronic and communication. Novel nanomaterials provide exciting opportunities to realize compact and efficient optoelectronic with their enhanced quantum effects. We apply intense mid-infrared light sources to nanomaterials and investigate their dynamic variations in the optical properties.