René Lopez
Professor; Director of Graduate Studies
Chapman Hall 343
rln@physics.unc.edu
919-962-7216
Research Interest:
Electromagnetic Radiation and Nanostructured Materials
Professional Background
Dr. Lopez obtained his Bachelor degree from the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico, and his Master's and Doctoral degrees from Vanderbilt University in the United States. He worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt University before joining the Faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently heads a group that does research in optical materials. In particular, bio-inspired photonic structures for organic photovoltaics, dye sensitized solar cells, sensors and electro-chromic materials.
Research Synopsis
The Lopez research group focuses on challenges at the intersection between electromagnetic radiation and nanostructured materials. Beyond its well established footprint in telecommunications, the physics of light manipulation and control with/within nanoscale materials is nowadays a rendezvous point for solar energy harvesting, chemical sensors, and photonic structures with a variety of applications.