Dimitri Basov

Dimitri Basov is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. He leads a research group focused on the infrared nano-optics of quantum materials, employing advanced near-field spectroscopic techniques to explore novel electronic phenomena.

• Department: Department of Physics
• University: University of California, San Diego
• School: College of Letters and Science

Research Interests: Basov's research spans strongly correlated electron systems, graphene plasmonics, topological insulators, superconductivity, and the development of infrared nano-spectroscopy. His work emphasizes the electrodynamics of quantum materials, particularly using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) to achieve nanoscale resolution at cryogenic temperatures. Key areas include Dirac plasmons in graphene, phase transitions in vanadium dioxide, and charge dynamics in 2D materials.

Publication Trends: His most recent publications highlight a strong focus on polaritons in van der Waals materials, ultrafast dynamics in quantum systems, and the integration of machine learning with nanoscale imaging. The research combines experimental innovation with deep theoretical insight into correlated electron behavior and light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF Career Award
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellow
• Cottrell Fellow
• Ludwig Genzel Prize
• Fellow, American Physical Society
• Humboldt Research Award
• Frank Isakson Prize for Optical Effects in Solids
• Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator in Quantum Materials

Advising and Grants: Basov leads a major research group at UCSD and has secured significant funding from national and international sources, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. He mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of condensed matter physics, optics, and materials science.

Labs and Teams: He directs the Infrared Nano-Optics of Quantum Materials research group, which operates state-of-the-art facilities for near-field infrared imaging and ultrafast spectroscopy. The team collaborates widely across institutions and disciplines, advancing the frontier of nanoscale quantum material characterization.