Nanophotonic and optoelectronics.
Those are big words to describe the very, very small-scale study of light.
I study materials that are about 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. We work on a nanoscale, or one billionth of a meter. More specifically, my lab develops nanomaterials for use in electronic devices and sensors capable of detecting diseases like cancer in its earliest stages.
Nanoscale Properties
At the nanoscale, the quantum effect is significant.
The nanomaterials we study behave very differently from materials with the same properties on a larger scale, including interactions with light.
These quantum materials, often referred as metamaterials, don’t exist in nature, but they have properties that can be used to create devices that are much more efficient and functional than naturally occurring materials.
We use a laser to study these nanomaterials. A material absorbs the laser light and emits new light.
By detecting the light that comes out we learn about the properties of the material and how to harness them for practical applications.
This process is non-destructive, meaning we don’t have to break down the material to study it.
Cancer Research
The study of nanomaterials can be applied to cancer research.
We collaborate with the chemistry department with faculty such as Dr. Xiaohua Huang to attach nanoparticles to exosomes found in human blood.
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, often referred to as “communicators,” that carry information associated with breast cancer.
And they’re very, very small, measuring 30 to 150 nanometers on average.
This technology allows us to sensitively image a cancer patient’s exosome and detect cancer at an extremely early stage.
This is significant because other technologies often detect cancer at a much later stage, but with our research, we can detect cancer at stage one or two. This has a huge impact on the diagnosis and treatment options for cancer patients.
Student Support
Another integral part of our research team is our students, whose passion for learning is inspiring. We have students from all over the world, and they are hardworking and committed to their education.
The University environment is highly dynamic, with students constantly coming and going. They arrive not only to gain new experiences but also to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas. Ultimately, their presence and input play a vital role in the success of our research, and I truly enjoy working with them.
A Bright Future
Research in nano photonics and optoelectronics is fascinating, and I’m excited to continue exploring this dynamic field.
The potential applications of these materials are vast, and the impact on healthcare and other industries is significant.
For example, our lab has the capability to generate and detect individual photon, a single quanta of light.
If you flip on a light switch, you produce over a trillion photons, but generating and detecting just a single photon is much more challenging.
There are very few labs in the country that can do such a thing. This capability enables us to further our research in quantum science and advance the development of quantum computing technologies. With our resources, students and faculty support, we can continue to push the boundaries of this research and make a difference in the world.
Watch Dr. Thang Hoang’s Research in a Minute video below.
