Yanan Dai

Dr. Yanan Dai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he joined in August 2022. His research focuses on probing exotic excited state dynamics in quantum materials using ultrafast optical and photoelectron spectromicroscopy techniques. Previously, he worked as a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University's Department of Chemistry from 2019 to 2022.

• B.S., Space Science & Technology, Shandong University (2013)
• Ph.D., Physics, University of Pittsburgh (2019)

His research integrates Quantum Excited State Dynamics, Strong-field Nano-optics, and Ultrafast Spectroscopy & Microscopy to explore topological structures in condensed matter systems. Notable achievements include the first imaging of Meron (half-skyrmion)-like plasmonic spin textures using ITR-PEEM and full-Brillouin zone detection of Hot Electron Dynamics via TR-ARPES in 2D thermoelectric materials.

His recent articles focus on Topological Optics, Plasmonics, and Floquet Engineering of quantum materials at nanofemto scales. Key methodologies include Structured Light Design, Extreme-UV Spectroscopy, and Spin-momentum-locking in surface plasmon polaritons.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Dissertation Award, International Organization of Chinese Physicists and Astronomers (2020)
• Outstanding Thesis Award, Springer (2020)

At SUSTech, he teaches University Physics, Modern Optics, and Principles of Nonlinear Optics. For lab recruitment and collaborations, contact him at daiyn@sustech.edu.cn or dai.yanan@outlook.com.