Recognizing Excellence in Photonics: Finalists of the ACS Photonics Young Investigator Award

The ACS Photonics Young Investigator Award celebrates outstanding early career researchers in photonics, recognizing their innovative research and significant contributions to the field. While only one recipient is ultimately chosen, the journal acknowledges the exceptional talent and dedication of all finalists. This year, three outstanding researchers, Dan Congreve, Francesco Monticone, and Lina Quan, distinguished themselves, showcasing the breadth and depth of cutting-edge photonics research. Dan Congreve (Stanford University) has demonstrated exceptional ingenuity in manipulating light, energy, and spin at the nanoscale. His work on thin-film upconversion has substantially advanced applications in photovoltaics, night vision, and anticounterfeiting, achieving significant efficiency improvements through innovative materials engineering. His exploration of in situ upconversion opens new avenues for deep-tissue photochemistry and volumetric 3D printing, pushing the boundaries of nanofabrication. Furthermore, Congreve’s advancements in perovskite light emission, particularly in blue and UV LEDs, are addressing critical challenges in lighting, sensing, and communication. His research is a testament to the transformative power of controlled light manipulation for real-world impact. Francesco Monticone (Cornell University) has rapidly established himself as a leader in topological physics, nonreciprocity, and nonlocal photonics. His profound understanding of wave phenomena and his ability to translate theoretical concepts into innovative devices, such as metalenses and nonlocal metasurfaces, have sparked important discussions about the fundamental limits of photonics technologies. Monticone’s contributions extend beyond research, encompassing leadership in the photonics community and entrepreneurial ventures in thermal photonics. His recent tenure at Cornell University and numerous accolades, including the Cornell Engineering Research Excellence Award, underscore his exceptional achievements and promising future. Lina Quan (Virginia Tech) is advancing the exploration of emerging semiconductors, particularly halide perovskites, for next-generation photonic and electronic applications. Her research group’s interdisciplinary approach is yielding fundamental insights into the structure–property relationships of these materials. Quan’s discovery of optical retardation effects in copper-based 2D hybrid perovskites and her development of high-temperature stable nonlinear optical switching materials are addressing long-standing challenges in the field. Her exploration of chiral semiconductors for spintronics, supported by a prestigious DOE Early Career Research Program award, further highlights her innovative approach. Quan’s work is poised to significantly impact bioimaging, optical communication, and beyond. These three finalists represent the future of photonics, each contributing unique and impactful research that pushes the boundaries of the field. Their dedication, innovation, and passion for photonics are truly commendable, and we congratulate them on their remarkable achievements. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.