Atwater Research Group
ILLUMINATING THE INTERSECTION OF NANOPHOTONICS AND ENERGY
Our research is focused at the light-energy-nanoscale nexus. Research on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale encompasses quantum nanophotonics, metasurfaces, two-dimensional and layered materials, optomechanics. Research initiatives in energy conversion spans work on solar photovoltaics and space solar power, carbon capture, and photoelectrochemical energy conversion.
Research Areas
January 31, 2025
The Atwater group has made the first experimental measurements of laser-induced motions of miniature lightsails in the lab.
September 25, 2024
A Caltech experiment demonstrated space-based solar power’s potential, marking a key step in harnessing orbital renewable energy.
July 24, 2024
A tunable metasurface developed in Harry Atwater's lab can control optical light in space and time, offering a path toward new ways of wirelessly and securely transmitting large amounts of data both on Earth and in space.
January 16, 2024
A 10-month mission demonstrated three elements of the plan to beam solar power from space to Earth.
November 6, 2023
Caltech researchers hope to harness the sun’s energy and power the planet from 300 miles above.