I currently hold the John and Mary Weaver Professorship at Iowa State University. I investigate diverse light-driven coherent and non-equilibrium quantum systems from superconducting, magnetic, and topological materials to nano-junctions and quantum circuits. The scientific driver is to both provide a fundamental understanding of quantum many-body correlations out-of-equilibrium and achieve coherent light-matter control at quantum limit. I implement this vision by developing cutting-edge ultrafast, coherent spectroscopy and nano-imaging tools over a wide frequency spectrum, spanning from terahertz, infrared to ultraviolet. My accomplishments, particularly in coherent and non-equilibrium dynamics of driven quantum systems, provide the linkage between different communities from condensed matter physics and nano-optics to quantum information science, and merge them to break new frontiers. Some of my achievements in studies of light-driven quantum materials are summarized in my APS fellow citation – “For his study of coherent excitations and out-of-equilibrium topological and magnetic phenomena, especially his discoveries of light-induced Weyl and Dirac semimetals and Higgs modes in Iron-based superconductors.” Some of my other contributions are summarized in my OPTICA fellow citation – “For outstanding contributions to ultrafast spectroscopy and pioneering development of ultralow cryogenic magneto-THz microscopy, unveiling significant discoveries of light-matter quantum coherent phenomena.”
A brief summery of my research
At work, I enjoy interacting with my students and collaborators, mentoring young scientists, and spending time in the laboratory exploring new ideas.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and making wonderful memories with my family. Here are a few photos from some of our moments together.
