Advancing Energy and Sustainability through Laser- and Non-Laser-based Material Functionalization

Professor Chunlei Guo, Professor in Optics and Physics and Senior Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Presented in-person in Goergen 101 and on Zoom

Zoom Information

Zoom:https://rochester.zoom.us/j/91669460596?pwd=T1VzbEFreVd3NFR5QnlUV09YWlZWZz09
Meeting ID: 916 6946 0596
Passcode: 0330

Abstract

In this talk, I will discuss two parallel pathways pursued by my laboratory to advance energy harvesting and sustainability. The first avenue leverages various material functionalization techniques introduced by my lab through femtosecond laser surface patterning. These include the black and colored metals, as well as superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces. The focus here is on exploring the diverse applications, particularly within the domains of energy and sustainability.

In the second direction, I will delve into our recent strides in material functionalization achieved without the use of lasers. This includes developing advanced optical coatings and enhancing perovskite properties through purely physics-based methods. These advancements rival the most sophisticated chemical engineering techniques, introducing a novel perspective to advance energy efficiency.

Biography

Chunlei Guo is a professor in optics and physics and a senior scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester. His primary research revolves around femtosecond laser-matter interactions, with recent ventures into nanophotonics and advanced materials. His work at Rochester led to the discovery of a range of highly functionalized materials, including the so-called black and colored metals, and superhydrophillic and superhydrophobic surfaces. These discoveries may find a range of applications and have been featured four times in The New York Times. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Optica, and Int'l Academy of Photonics and Laser Engineering. He served as the Editor-in-Chief for the recently released 2nd edition of CRC Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications, which serves as the most comprehensive handbook in the field of lasers to date.