Xiaodong Cui

Professor Xiaodong Cui serves as Chair Professor and Associate Head in the Department of Physics at The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Science. He received his B.S. in Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China and his Ph.D. from Arizona State University, followed by postdoctoral research at Columbia University and IBM. Since joining HKU in 2004, he has established himself as a leading researcher in condensed matter physics with a focus on 2D materials.

Professor Cui's research primarily explores spin and valley physics in semiconductors, with pioneering work on optical properties of atomically thin 2D crystals. His research interests include Spintronics, Nano-Electronics, and the study of excitons in novel 2D materials. His work bridges fundamental quantum phenomena with potential applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and their unique optical and electronic properties. The research spans from fundamental studies of valley polarization and exciton dynamics to practical applications in biosensing and nanophotonics. His group has made significant contributions to understanding moiré patterns, interlayer coupling, and electric field effects in 2D heterostructures.

• 2016-2017 Outstanding Researcher Award
• Research Output Prize: Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong (2015)

Professor Cui has successfully mentored numerous PhD and MPhil students, with current and former students pursuing diverse research paths in academia and industry. His research is supported by multiple General Research Fund grants, including recent projects on twisted bilayer 2D semiconductors and optical spectroscopic studies of dark excitons. He leads the Cui Research Group based in Room 209 of the Chong Yuet Ming Physics Building at HKU, where his team conducts cutting-edge experimental research on 2D materials.