PingAn Hu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. PingAn Hu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. PingAn Hu, Harbin Institute Technology, China

Professor PingAn Hu is a globally recognized materials scientist and innovator in 2D semiconductors, flexible intelligent devices, and neuromorphic vision systems. Currently serving as a Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), he is known for groundbreaking work in the interface-engineered growth of large-area single-crystal thin films. With over 240 SCI-indexed publications and accolades including the Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024), his research has gained international recognition and transformed the field of smart sensors and semiconductor technologies.

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📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Hu began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2004). His early postdoctoral experiences reflect a rich international academic exposure, serving as a JSPS Fellow at Waseda University, Japan (2004–2006) and a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, UK (2006–2009). These formative years helped shape his cross-disciplinary research philosophy, integrating material chemistry, surface physics, and device engineering.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Upon returning to China, Prof. Hu joined the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s global reputation in materials science and applied nanotechnology. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Smart Wearable Technology and is an active member of several academic societies including the China Microelectronics Association, American Carbon Society, and Chinese Society of Nanotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Hu’s research addresses some of the most critical challenges in semiconductor device engineering, especially those involving interface sensitivity, optical signal processing, and mechanical-electrical signal transduction. His three core innovations include:

  • Wafer-scale growth of 2D single-crystal materials (like graphene and h-BN) using a liquid copper strategy.

  • Discovery of interlayer-dependent piezoelectric enhancement in van der Waals materials, crucial for next-gen energy devices.

  • Development of low-power neuromorphic vision devices through interface modulation of photocarrier relaxation dynamics, enabling bioinspired and skin-like sensors.

These innovations establish new theoretical foundations for surface/interface-mediated growth and flexible optoelectronic systems, directly impacting fields such as wearable tech, AI-driven sensing, and energy harvesting.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Hu’s research has not only led to over 240 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Chemical Engineering Journal) but has also been recognized by Nobel Laureates such as Prof. Andre K. Geim and Prof. Konstantin Novoselov. His work is widely cited, contributing to key advances in piezoelectric and neuromorphic research. He maintains active collaborations with over 30 global research institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, fostering strong international partnerships.

📊 Academic Citations and Metrics

With an extensive body of work cited thousands of times globally, Prof. Hu’s H-index and citation count reflect his authoritative influence in semiconductor materials, nanostructures, and bioinspired electronic systems. Being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Elsevier (2022, 2023, 2024) further substantiates the global reach and reliability of his contributions.

🧠 Research Skills and Interdisciplinary Expertise

Prof. Hu is proficient in a broad range of advanced techniques, including:

  • CVD and epitaxial growth of 2D materials,

  • Piezoelectric and optoelectronic property characterization,

  • Photodetector and tactile sensor engineering,

  • Device simulation and theoretical modeling,

  • Surface/interface modification for neuromorphic functions.

His ability to bridge fundamental research with practical applications makes him a leading voice in interdisciplinary material sciences.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a senior faculty member at HIT, Prof. Hu has supervised numerous Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold academic and industrial positions worldwide. His courses on nanomaterials, advanced electronic devices, and flexible electronics are considered core components of the institute’s postgraduate curriculum. He is also involved in talent training through China’s National Talent Programs.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024)

  • First Prize, Science and Technology Award (2015, 2020 – Principal Investigator)

  • Second Prize, Science and Technology Award (2024 – Third Contributor)

  • Editor-in-Chief, Smart Wearable Technology (International Journal)

  • 21 authorized invention patents in flexible electronics, sensors, and 2D materials.

These awards reflect his sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership across academia and applied research.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Hu aims to advance AI-integrated sensor systems, energy-autonomous wearables, and interface-programmable devices for next-generation applications in healthcare, soft robotics, and environmental monitoring. His vision includes creating eco-friendly, bioinspired smart systems and globalizing knowledge transfer through deeper international collaborations and industrial translation of lab breakthroughs.

Top Publications

Prestrain Guided Yield of Large Single-Crystal Nickel Foils, with High-Index Facets

  • Authors: Zhen Su, Meixiu Song, Huyang Li, Xin Song, Yuming Feng, Shuai Wang, Xin Zhang, Hongying Yang, Xingji Li, Yanxiang Zhang, Yuhang Jing, PingAn Hu
    Journal: Advanced Materials
    Year: 2024

Flexible Optical Synapses Based on In₂Se₃/MoS₂ Heterojunctions for Artificial Vision Systems in the Near-Infrared Range

  • Authors: Hu YX, Yang HY, (…) Hu PA
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Year: 2022

Engineering the Optoelectronic Properties of 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayer Films by Sulfur Substitutional Doping

  • Authors: Biying Tan, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huihui Yang, Yunxia Hu, Huiming Shang, Xin Zhang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Year: 2022

Skin-Inspired Tactile Sensor Based on Gradient Pore Structure Enables Broad Range Response and Ultrahigh Pressure Resolution

  • Authors: S. Wang, F. Gao, Y. Hu, S. Zhang, H. Shang, C. Ge, B. Tan, X. Zhang, J. Zhang, P. Hu
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
    Year: 2022

Field Effect Transistor Sensors Based on In-Plane 1T′/2H/1T′ MoTe₂ Heterophases with Superior Sensitivity and Output Signals

  • Authors: Shichao Zhang, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huiming Shang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
    Year: 2022

Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane , University of North Carolina at Pembroke, United States 

Dr. Tikaram Neupane is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he merges a passion for cutting-edge research in condensed matter and optical physics with deep commitment to undergraduate education and scientific outreach. His career reflects an inspiring journey from Nepal to international academic platforms, including prestigious institutions in Italy, Wyoming, Virginia, and North Carolina, underpinned by fellowships, research assistantships, and national awards.

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Neupane’s scientific foundation was laid through a Postgraduate Diploma in Earth System Physics from the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, supported by a UNESCO Fellowship (2010–2011). He furthered his education with an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Wyoming (2014–2015), where he worked on solar cell characterization and perovskite simulation. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Optical Physics from Hampton University (2016–2020), where he explored nonlinear optical phenomena in 2D materials like Tungsten and Molybdenum Disulfides.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at UNCP (since 2021), Dr. Neupane balances his teaching responsibilities with active roles in program coordination, student mentorship, and undergraduate research leadership. His prior postdoctoral work (2020–2021) at the University of Southern Mississippi and NASA’s Stennis Space Center reflects his interdisciplinary scope, focusing on Ocean Optics and Remote Sensing.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Neupane’s research spans nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, and quantum materials, with particular emphasis on:

  • Third-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials

  • Quantum dots and photoluminescence

  • Spatial self-phase modulation and all-optical switching

  • First-principle simulations using DFT (Density Functional Theory)

He has authored over 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to a book chapter on graphene, and presented at 65+ scientific conferences—a testament to his consistent scholarly productivity.

🌍 Impact and Influence

As the Director of the North Carolina Region 4 Science and Engineering Fair and a board member of the statewide fair, Dr. Neupane plays a critical role in STEM outreach and student recruitment, especially within minority-serving institutions. He is also an organizer, judge, and evaluator in diverse scientific arenas, from the DoD SMART scholarship program to robotics competitions and ANPA conferences.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

Dr. Neupane’s works are cited in materials science, optics, and nanotechnology research communities, particularly his studies on graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and perovskite QDs. His recent publications in Optics and Laser Technology, Materials, and Crystals have attracted significant academic interest.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Neupane is proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, including:

  • Laser systems (picosecond, nanosecond, and CW lasers)

  • Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, Raman, low-T PL)

  • Microscopy (AFM, TEM, XRD)

  • Nonlinear characterization (Z-scan, I-scan, self-phase modulation)

  • Software and Simulation tools like VASP, Quantum Espresso, MATLAB, and Origin

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

At UNCP, Dr. Neupane leads undergraduate courses in physics, coordinates the Applied Physics Program, and supervises student-led research through the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) Center. His ability to simplify complex concepts and his commitment to student development are consistently praised.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Neupane’s excellence is recognized through numerous accolades:

  • 🥇 Best Presentation Award, ICNST International Conference (2019)

  • 🚀 NASA & DoD Research Assistantship, Hampton University

  • 🌍 UNESCO Fellowship, ICTP

  • 🎓 Dean’s Research and Scholarship Fund (2021), NC Collaboratory for HMSIs (2022), PURC Research Funds (2023–2025)

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Neupane is set to chair the 8th ANPA International Conference in 2025 and will continue to lead national efforts in optical research, student development, and scientific inclusivity. His trajectory promises continued innovation in photonics and nanomaterials, while fostering the next generation of physicists through education, mentorship, and global scientific collaboration.

Top Publications

“Size-dependent fluorescence properties of CdSe quantum dots”

  • Authors: U. Poudyal, C. M. Adhikari, N. H. Makani, B. R. Gautam, and T. Neupane
    Journal: Solid State Communications
    Year: 2025 (Accepted)

“Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, U. Poudyal, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Materials, Volume 16, Article 6664
    Year: 2023

“Dispersion in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Film: An Application of Bogoliubov–Valatin Transformation for Hamiltonian Diagonalization”

  • Authors: C. M. Adhikari, D. M. Morris, T. W. Noonan, T. Neupane, B. R. Lamichhane, B. R. Gautam
    Journal: Condens. Matter, Volume 8, Article 53
    Year: 2023

“Spatial self-phase Modulation in Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Crystal, Volume 813, Article 271
    Year: 2023

“Crossover from reverse Saturable to Saturable Absorption in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, C. M. Adhikarihird-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials
    Journal: Journal of Nepal Physical Society, Volume 8, Pages 31–36
    Year: 2022

Xu Wu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xu Wu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China

Dr. Wu Xu is an Assistant Professor at the School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. With a strong background in materials science and engineering, his expertise lies in advanced spectroscopic methods and terahertz biosensing. Dr. Xu has contributed significantly to early detection technologies in biomedical applications, combining innovative research with practical solutions.

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Strengths for the Award

Wu Xu’s research is at the intersection of advanced material sciences and cutting-edge optical technologies. His work with terahertz and infrared spectroscopy, especially in biomedical applications (e.g., glioma diagnosis, ApoA1 glycation detection), demonstrates significant innovation and a clear focus on real-world, high-impact problems.

As the Principal Investigator for a National Natural Science Foundation Youth Fund project and a key collaborator on several high-profile national projects, Wu Xu has shown an ability to secure and manage competitive funding, indicating recognition and trust from funding agencies.

With multiple first-author publications in reputable journals, Wu Xu has a strong publication record that includes studies on advanced spectroscopy, biosensors, and material sciences. His consistent output in journals such as Applied Spectroscopy Reviews and Chemical Engineering Journal shows both breadth and depth in his field.

His patents, particularly those involving terahertz-based chemical sensing and far-infrared devices, demonstrate a commitment to practical applications and industry-relevant research. This aligns well with awards that value translational research and real-world impact.

His career progression from postdoctoral research to assistant professorship at a prestigious university highlights his steady academic growth and recognition within his institution and field.

Education🎓

  • Ph.D. in Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (2013-2017)
    Supervisor: Prof. Yang Bin
  • M.Sc. in Material Processing Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (2010-2013)
  • B.Sc. in Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (2006-2010)

Experience💼

Dr. Xu currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, where he leads and collaborates on pioneering research in terahertz and infrared spectroscopy. His academic journey also includes a postdoctoral role in the same institution, where he made foundational contributions to the development of terahertz biosensors for medical applications.

Research Interests🔬

Dr. Xu’s research focuses on spectroscopic techniques and terahertz biosensors for biomedical applications, including early cancer diagnosis and non-invasive detection of biomolecular structures. His recent projects emphasize the application of terahertz technology to advance understanding in molecular sensing, including innovative work on microfluidic technology and terahertz near-field scanning.

Awards🏆

  • National Natural Science Foundation Youth Fund Project (2019-2021) – Recognition for impactful research on ApoA1 glycation and anti-atherosclerosis functions through terahertz biosensing.
  • National Key R&D Program (2023-2026) – Contributor to the high-sensitivity detection of specific molecules through broadband terahertz radiation technology.
  • International Collaboration Award (2020-2022) – Acknowledged for collaborative efforts in glioma diagnosis using terahertz, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy techniques.

Publications📚

Serum species identification using mid-infrared and far-infrared spectroscopy combined with neural network algorithms
Authors: Huang, X., Wang, Q., Mao, M., Tian, Z., Peng, Y.
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Rapid Determination of Rivaroxaban by Using Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor
Authors: Huang, X., Wu, J., Wu, X., Peng, Y.
Journal: Photonics
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Novel THz Metasurface Biosensor for High-Sensitivity Detection of Vitamin C and Vitamin B9
Authors: Wang, N., Liu, B., Wu, X., Peng, Y.
Journal: Photonics
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Molecular structure analysis of xanthine alkaloids using terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Wang, N., Huang, X., Zhang, J., Peng, Y., Zhu, Y.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Identification of Panax notoginseng origin using terahertz precision spectroscopy and neural network algorithm
Authors: Gu, H., Wang, S., Hu, S., Zhang, W., Peng, Y.
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Asymmetric tip design for far infrared metamaterial sensor
Authors: Lu, X.-S., Wu, X., Wei, X.-K., Jin, Z.-M., Peng, Y.
Journal: Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Rapid Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Warfarin Sodium Based on Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu, J., Wu, X., Huang, X., Peng, Y., Lu, L.
Journal: Chinese Journal of Lasers
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Advances in detecting α-dicarbonyl compounds: Insights from spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Wu, X., Wu, J., Li, J., Peng, Y., Zhu, Y.
Journal: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews
Year: 2024 (In Press)
Citations: 1

Terahertz ultrasensitive biosensor based on wide-area and intense light-matter interaction supported by QBIC
Authors: Liu, B., Peng, Y., Jin, Z., Zhu, Y., Zhuang, S.
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2023
Citations: 80

Polarization-Independent Terahertz Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Species Identification of Panax and Paeonia
Authors: Hu, S., Sun, C., Wu, X., Peng, Y.
Journal: Photonics
Year: 2023
Citations: 4

(Note: This is a brief selection of Dr. Xu’s peer-reviewed work, showcasing his contributions to terahertz spectroscopy and biosensing technology.)

Conclusion🔚

Wu Xu is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to his innovative research in terahertz and infrared spectroscopy, with promising applications in biosensing and biomedical diagnostics. His ability to secure competitive funding, combined with a strong publication and patent record, demonstrates his effectiveness as a researcher. By expanding his international collaborations and leadership roles, he could further solidify his standing as a global leader in his field.