Abstract 

Light-matter interaction is a pivotal branch of photonics and optical science and engineering, offering groundbreaking advancements in the efficiency and functionality of optoelectronic devices. Central to this seminar is a pioneering study that unveils a method for substantially enhancing optical absorption in ultra-thin films through planar nanocavities. This approach, characterized by a robust interference effect, adeptly navigates the traditional compromise between film thickness and optical absorption efficiency, laying foundational principles for the development of advanced energy harvesting and conversion technologies.

Expanding on this core discovery, this seminar further explores its applications across various domains. We discuss the creation of single-crystalline germanium nanomembrane photodetectors that benefit from improved light absorption and distinctive optoelectronic traits, thanks to the nanocavity enhancement. Additionally, the seminar covers the integration of MoS₂ monolayers with nanocavities to significantly bolster light-matter interactions, markedly optimizing the performance of ultra-thin 2D semiconductor materials in photonic devices. Lastly, we examine the use of ultrathin-film TiO₂ on nanocavities for the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂, showcasing enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity towards oxygenated hydrocarbons, which underscores the seminar's focus on significant applications of nanocavity-enhanced light-matter interaction for sustainable energy solutions.

Bio

Dr. Haomin Song is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering at the University of Macau. Currently, he also serves as a postdoctoral researcher in the Physical Science Engineering Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. He embarked on his academic journey at Nankai University in China, progressing to graduate studies at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in the US. After graduation, he assumed roles as a Research Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Associate at SUNY at Buffalo. Beyond academia, he showcased his entrepreneurial ability as the Principal Investigator and Chief Technology Officer for Sunny Clean Water, LLC. His main research interests lie in the light harvesting and the energy conversion of light into electrical, thermal, chemical energies. He has authored and co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers in esteemed journals, including Advanced Materials, Nature Sustainability, Nature Communications, Advanced Science, PNAS, and Nano Energy. In recognition of his excellence in fundamental and applied research, he was awarded the travel grant for the Global Grand Challenges Summit, a prestigious event collaboratively organized by the National Academies of Engineering in US, UK and China