My current research focuses on designing hybrid materials in which structural symmetry, lattice dynamics, and electronic structure lead to emergent quantum phenomena.
More broadly, working at the interface of physics and chemistry, I study semiconductors with an emphasis on how local structural asymmetry and composition shape their physical properties.
A central goal of this work is to establish structure-property relationships that can guide the rational design of materials with tunable optical, electronic, and spin functionality under realistic operating conditions.
Core Themes
Three directions shaping the research program
Theme 01
Symmetry Breaking with Nonprimary Ammonium Cations
Much of my work is driven by the idea that breaking symmetry, whether global or local, can unlock new physical regimes. In this area, I developed a family of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductors based on nonprimary ammonium cations (NPACs).
In NPAC-based perovskites, asymmetric hydrogen-bonding interactions and restricted ammonium dynamics drive strong ferroelectric polarization in the inorganic sublattice. I study how the degree of inversion symmetry breaking and the resulting local structural distortions can be tuned to produce tailored anisotropic electronic responses.
This work points toward materials with intrinsically encoded functionality relevant to nonlinear optics, spintronics, and information technologies.
Theme 02
Spin-Valley Formation and Lattice Dynamics
One major direction of my research focuses on spin-valley formation in two-dimensional perovskites. In these materials, ferroelectric distortions and relativistic spin-orbit coupling combine to generate momentum-space minima with well-defined spin orientation.
These systems represent a promising frontier for quantum information processing at elevated temperatures. At the same time, lattice dynamics play a central role in determining spin response in soft materials such as hybrid perovskites.
By combining experiment with atomistic simulations, I study how composition, symmetry, and lattice distortions modulate spin-valley properties and how phonons couple to spin and valley textures.
Theme 03
Integrated Experiment-Theory Frameworks
My approach is inherently integrative, combining experimental measurements with first-principles simulations to build a coherent understanding of material behavior.
I develop and use computational workflows for electronic structure, phonons, and structural analysis alongside experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, and optical spectroscopy.
Increasingly, this work also incorporates data-driven tools and interactive analysis platforms to accelerate insight, reproducibility, and high-throughput interpretation of hybrid perovskite data.
Approach
How the work is carried out
Materials Design and Synthesis
Designing and synthesizing hybrid materials with targeted structural motifs and emergent functionality.
Advanced Characterization
Probing structure and dynamics across length scales using X-ray scattering, spectroscopy, and optical measurements.
First-Principles and Data-Driven Modeling
Using density functional theory, phonon calculations, and computational workflows to interpret experiments and predict new behavior.
Highlights and Outlook
Where the work is going
Looking forward, my research aims to establish design principles for materials in which symmetry, structure, and dynamics can be precisely controlled to enable robust quantum functionality, particularly in systems that operate under ambient conditions.