Debashis Chanda

Debashis Chanda is a Professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF) with joint appointments in the NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), Department of Physics, and the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL). His research focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, and metamaterials, emphasizing high-throughput, low-cost fabrication techniques for optical nanostructures. Key achievements include developing energy-saving plasmonic paints and sensors for biomedical and environmental applications, recognized by the National Science Foundation and World Economic Forum. Chanda leads the Nano-Optics Group, mentoring over 15 graduate and undergraduate students in cutting-edge projects. His team explores light-matter interactions for applications in energy harvesting, optical sensors, and advanced displays. The group collaborates on innovations like angle-independent structural color coatings and tunable infrared detectors.

Research Interests:

• Nanophotonics and plasmonics
• Metamaterials and structural coloration
• Infrared detection and sensing
• Bioinspired optoelectronics
• High-throughput nanofabrication

Team & Students: Current advisees include Tianyi Guo and Mahdi Soudi. Notable alumni have advanced to roles at institutions like the University of Toronto and North Carolina State University, and industry leaders such as Intel and ASML.

Labs & Facilities: The Nano-Optics Group operates in UCF’s NSTC and CREOL, leveraging state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization tools. Ongoing projects include smartphone-based sensors, adaptive camouflage systems, and sustainable plasmonic materials.