2019 NSF CAREER Award

Peter Liu recognized by the National Science Foundation

photo of peter liu.

Combining the advantages of the emerging field of graphene plasmonics and the relatively mature platform of semiconductor heterostructures to develop new types of compact, tunable, cost-effective and versatile devices that emit light in the terahertz to mid-infrared spectral region.

Professor Liu's research involves Mid-infrared and THz optoelectronics and photonics; graphene and other 2D materials based devices and systems; strongly correlated electron materials; quantum optics; quantum cascade lasers; chemical and biological sensing. 

Professor Liu will use the award to develop new sensing and imaging techniques that could drive the development of new technologies in health care, environmental protection, homeland security, renewable energy and more. Specifically, he will investigate the advantages of combining the emerging field of graphene plasmonics and the relatively mature platform of semiconductor heterostructures. The goal is to develop new types of compact, cost-effective and versatile devices which emit light in the terahertz to mid-infrared spectral regions.

He will also lead and participate in outreach programs, including interactive scientific demos, in public schools to help stimulate students’ interest in science and engineering.

The CAREER Award is the National Science Foundation's most prestigious award in support of junior faculty. The awards are given to outstanding scientists who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through research, education, and the integration of education and research. The reviewing, award and selection process is one of the most competitive within the NSF.

Published April 5, 2019