Optical Spectroscopy

Our Research

The Optical Spectroscopy Stream investigates emergent quantum effects in atomically thin van der Waals materials using advanced optical techniques. These two-dimensional systems host exotic physical phenomena, such as strong light-matter interactions and tunable phases of matter, that are of intense interest across physics, materials science, and engineering. The central scientific objective is to uncover how collective excitations form and evolve in layered quantum materials, and how light can be used to probe or manipulate these excitations.

Students will begin with foundational training in exfoliation of van der Waals crystals, characterization of atomically thin samples, and equilibrium optical microscopy methods such as Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, reflection, birefringence, and second harmonic generation. As they gain experience, students will progress toward independent projects aimed at addressing key questions of the field using table-top instrumentation that is highly visual and conceptually rich.

Our Strategy

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in experimental condensed matter physics. Training progresses from sample preparation to data collection and analysis using state-of-the-art optical techniques. Peer mentorship by advanced undergraduates and graduate students supports each step of the process, while weekly modules introduce the background and context of the research. Students will:

• learn exfoliation techniques to prepare van der Waals crystals
• perform optical characterization of thin materials
• use Raman, photoluminescence, reflection, and second harmonic generation microscopy
• work in teams to analyze excitonic and vibrational dynamics of two-dimensional materials
• develop independent research questions based on ongoing stream findings

Our Impact

We hope to explore excitonic and vibrational dynamics in atomically thin quantum materials and to characterize their properties using optical spectroscopy! This work not only advances fundamental science but also builds a growing resource of optical data for the study of two-dimensional quantum materials.