Nano Thermo-Physical Engineering

The behavior of any physical system can be related to atomic-scale description. With an atomic-level knowledge of the energy carrier (photon, electron, phonon, and fluid particle) characteristics and behaviors, one is able to move up to design nano- and micro-structures with the desired size effects, or to synthesize new materials with the desired functions. Research at the Nano Thermo-Physical Engineering Lab seeks to build and expand the understanding of the fundamentals of atomic-level carrier transport and interactions, and to apply this knowledge to important energy and information technologies. Current projects include the engineering of electron-phonon coupling in quantum dot solar cells, enhanced laser cooling of semiconductors and ion-doped solids, controlled thermal emission using modulated micro- and nano-structures, thermo-optical management of nano-lasers, etc.