About the Laboratory for Nanophotonics (LANP)
The Laboratory for Nanophotonics (LANP) is an interdisciplinary research center at Rice University focused on the fundamental science and application of light at the nanoscale. Our faculty, researchers, and students operate at the intersection of physics, engineering, and chemistry, united by a common goal: to control and manipulate light using structures smaller than its wavelength.
Our work involves designing, fabricating, and characterizing novel nanophotonic materials and devices. The LANP brings together world-renowned experts in plasmonics, quantum optics, nanoscale sensing, optoelectronics, and theoretical modeling.
The center fosters a collaborative environment, bridging together faculty in the Smalley-Curl Institute from the Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Materials Science & NanoEngineering, Chemistry, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
Our mission extends beyond fundamental discovery. We aim to translate our research into real-world applications, including:
- Next-generation solar energy capture and photocatalysis
- Ultra-sensitive biochemical sensors for medical diagnostics
- New platforms for quantum information processing
- Advanced thermal management and light-harvesting technologies
We are committed to training the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead the future of this rapidly evolving field.