Emerging Optics from Structured Nanomaterials

Abstract

Miniaturized and rationally assembled nanostructures exhibit extraordinarily distinct physical properties beyond their individual units. This talk will focus on structured nanoparticle lattices that show unique optical coupling with lattice spacings engineered close to the wavelength of light. By harnessing different materials systems and lattice designs, various light-matter interactions can be engineered such as nanoscale lasing and ultrafast energy transfers. In analogy to chameleons in nature, we achieved reconfigurable, mechanical control of nanoscale lasing by modulating lattice spacings of gold nanoparticles on an elastomeric substrate. Multiscale nanoparticle superlattices can support various band-edge states for controlled multi-color lasing. Integrating upconverting nanoparticles with metal nanoparticle lattices enables continuous-wave upconverting lasing at room temperature with record-low power thresholds. The structured nanomaterials can serve as a versatile, scalable platform for large-scale quantum optics and energy harvesting.

Biography

Danqing Wang is a Miller research fellow hosted by Prof. Junqiao Wu in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at University of California, Berkeley. Danqing received her Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics from Northwestern University in 2019, as co-advised by Prof. Teri Odom and Prof. George Schatz. In 2013, she earned her B.S. degree in Physics at Nanjing University, China. Danqing’s graduate research focuses on structural engineering of metal nanoparticle lattices and their light-matter interactions with different gain materials. Her future research interest is on unconventional optical behaviors of functional and structured nanomaterials with applications in energy harvesting and quantum engineering. Danqing is the recipient of several fellowships and awards, including the Miller Research Fellowship, Material Research Society Graduate Student Silver Award, and Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science, Class of 2021.