Ernest Pastor

Ernest Pastor is a CNRS Researcher at the Institute of Physics of Rennes (Materials and Light Department), University of Rennes. His work focuses on understanding electronic and structural dynamics in functional solids, particularly for photocatalytic and phase-change applications. He employs ultrafast optical and X-ray methods under in situ conditions to study defect interactions, polaron formation, and light-controlled charge transport.

• B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Valencia
• Ph.D. in Photochemistry, Imperial College London

Research Interests: His studies bridge ultrafast dynamics in solids, defect engineering, and optical control of electrochemical interfaces. Key areas include:

• Tracking reactive intermediates on disordered surfaces
• Understanding polaron formation timescales
• Manipulating defects with laser pulses
• Probing light-induced phase transitions
• Optimizing charge carrier lifetimes in oxides

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the ERC Starting Grant (2022) for light-controlled defect dynamics in energy materials.