Nien-Hui Ge
Professor, Chemistry
School of Physical Sciences
School of Physical Sciences
Member, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1998
M.S., National Taiwan University, 1992
B.S., National Taiwan University, 1990
M.S., National Taiwan University, 1992
B.S., National Taiwan University, 1990
University of California, Irvine
2143 Natural Sciences 2
Mail Code: 2025
Irvine, CA 92697
2143 Natural Sciences 2
Mail Code: 2025
Irvine, CA 92697
Research Interests
Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Physics and Biology
Websites
Academic Distinctions
Margaret Jorgenson Memorial Fellowship, 1997
National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2005
UCI Faculty Career Development Award, 2006
Elected as one of the two Chairs for the 2018 Gordon Research Conference on Vibrational Spectroscopy
National Institute of Health Trailblazer Award, 2024
National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2005
UCI Faculty Career Development Award, 2006
Elected as one of the two Chairs for the 2018 Gordon Research Conference on Vibrational Spectroscopy
National Institute of Health Trailblazer Award, 2024
Appointments
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania
Joined UCI faculty in 2002
Joined UCI faculty in 2002
Research Abstract
Detailed knowledge of molecular structures and dynamics in condense phases is essential to a complete and predictive understanding of chemical, biological, and materials processes. Our research program is directed to determine how molecular structures change in time, at equilibrium and during reactions. Topics of current interest include: structure and dynamics of peptides, proteins, liquids, and interfaces; carrier dynamics in solar cell materials; and nanoplasmonics. These endeavors lead us to devise new techniques in nonlinear spectroscopy and microscopy that can provide detailed information on the time dependence of nuclear and electronic motions.
Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy and its applications in biomolecular structure determination and condensed matter dynamics. We are exploiting new experimental techniques that are vibrational analogues of multidimensional NMR. The extension beyond a single dimension gives these techniques the ability to disentangle structural information from complex spectra where the couplings, correlations, and relative angular orientations between structural units are revealed as "cross peaks". Moreover, the picosecond time resolution of 2D IR makes it an ideal structural probe for short-lived intermediates in chemical or biological processes once initiated by external triggers. The necessary science of multidimensional multicolor IR spectroscopy is being developed in our laboratory. Experimental results are compared to computer simulations to bring out atomic level understanding of the processes in question.
We are applying 2D IR to the study of complex systems such as peptides, proteins, liquids, membranes, and their composite interfaces. Structural distributions, evolutions, and their environmental dependence are investigated. Dynamics of vibrational relaxation, molecular reorientation, intermode vibrational energy transfer, and chemical exchange are studied. Strategic incorporation of isotope labels and vibrational markers are used to zoom into atomic moieties of particular interest. Current topics include peptide-membrane interactions, amyloid peptide aggregation, and enzyme catalysis.
Sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy and microscopy and their applications in surface chemistry, polymer physics, and nanoplasmonics. We are developing SFG spectroscopic and microscopic techniques that can reveal structure and dynamics in noncentrosymmetric systems, such as surfaces, interfaces, and biological tissues. By combining these techniques with surface plasmon enhancement of novel nanostructures, we will push the detection limit towards study of trace molecules at interfaces. We are building a femtosecond SFG microscope that is capable of time-resolving nonlinear response as well as multiplex detection in the frequency domain with submicron spatial resolution. Applications include catalysis, photon-driven devices, and biological systems.
Nonlinear scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and its applications in nanoplasmonics and carrier dynamics. We are pushing our temporal and spatial resolution to the femtosecond-nanometer range with a new s-SNOM instrument that is capable of near-field imaging, nano FTIR, and pump-probe nanoscopy. We are applying s-SNOM to near-field mapping of plasmonic nanostructures and carrier dynamics in solar cell materials.
Research Opportunities:
Graduate, Undergraduate, and Postdoctoral Research positions available
Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy and its applications in biomolecular structure determination and condensed matter dynamics. We are exploiting new experimental techniques that are vibrational analogues of multidimensional NMR. The extension beyond a single dimension gives these techniques the ability to disentangle structural information from complex spectra where the couplings, correlations, and relative angular orientations between structural units are revealed as "cross peaks". Moreover, the picosecond time resolution of 2D IR makes it an ideal structural probe for short-lived intermediates in chemical or biological processes once initiated by external triggers. The necessary science of multidimensional multicolor IR spectroscopy is being developed in our laboratory. Experimental results are compared to computer simulations to bring out atomic level understanding of the processes in question.
We are applying 2D IR to the study of complex systems such as peptides, proteins, liquids, membranes, and their composite interfaces. Structural distributions, evolutions, and their environmental dependence are investigated. Dynamics of vibrational relaxation, molecular reorientation, intermode vibrational energy transfer, and chemical exchange are studied. Strategic incorporation of isotope labels and vibrational markers are used to zoom into atomic moieties of particular interest. Current topics include peptide-membrane interactions, amyloid peptide aggregation, and enzyme catalysis.
Sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy and microscopy and their applications in surface chemistry, polymer physics, and nanoplasmonics. We are developing SFG spectroscopic and microscopic techniques that can reveal structure and dynamics in noncentrosymmetric systems, such as surfaces, interfaces, and biological tissues. By combining these techniques with surface plasmon enhancement of novel nanostructures, we will push the detection limit towards study of trace molecules at interfaces. We are building a femtosecond SFG microscope that is capable of time-resolving nonlinear response as well as multiplex detection in the frequency domain with submicron spatial resolution. Applications include catalysis, photon-driven devices, and biological systems.
Nonlinear scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and its applications in nanoplasmonics and carrier dynamics. We are pushing our temporal and spatial resolution to the femtosecond-nanometer range with a new s-SNOM instrument that is capable of near-field imaging, nano FTIR, and pump-probe nanoscopy. We are applying s-SNOM to near-field mapping of plasmonic nanostructures and carrier dynamics in solar cell materials.
Research Opportunities:
Graduate, Undergraduate, and Postdoctoral Research positions available
Available Technologies
Publications
Professional Societies
American Chemical Society
American Physical Society
Optical Society of America
American Association of Advanced Science
Western Spectroscopy Association, Treasurer
Other Experience
Full-time Teaching Assistant
National Taiwan University 1992—1993
National Taiwan University 1992—1993
Research Centers
Link to this profile
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=4907
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=4907
Last updated
02/09/2025
02/09/2025