A scenic view of the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, featuring the tall Campanile bell tower in the foreground surrounded by trees. In the background, several iconic red-roofed limestone buildings are visible, including Strong Hall and Fraser Hall, with the larger Watson Library building on the right. The horizon shows a wide expanse of greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Chan Research Group @University of Kansas

Our research focuses on understanding the fundamental electronic processes, such as exciton transport and charge transfer, in molecular solids, conjugated polymers, organic-inorganic hybrid systems and 2-D layered crystals.

Why this Research?

These materials can be potentially used in next generation devices for applications ranging from light harvesting (e.g. solar energy, photocatalysis) to flexible electronics. However, the lack of fundamental understandings in the electron dynamics of these materials can hinder future applications. Using novel experimental techniques such as time-resolved two photon photoemission spectroscopy, time-resolved electrical measurements and optical spectroscopy, we probe the dynamics of photoexcited electrons and molecules in an ultrafast timescale (10-14 – 10-9 s). A better understanding of these processes will help us to design cost-effective ways to produce energy.

Homebuilt ultrahigh vacuum system

for photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and thin film deposition

A close-up image of a complex, high-precision laboratory instrument made of metallic components and tubing, likely part of a vacuum chamber or particle analysis system. The machine features multiple cylindrical and conical parts, mirror-like metal surfaces, and electrical wiring, all mounted on a sturdy frame within a clean lab environment.

Femtosecond laser system

A system used for measuring electron dynamics.

A darkened laboratory setup featuring a complex optical table with mirrors, lenses, and laser components emitting green, yellow, and blue light. The glowing laser beams and reflections highlight the alignment of optical paths used in experiments such as spectroscopy, quantum optics, or photonics research. The surrounding environment is dim, focusing attention on the illuminated components.